What are the equipment requirements for windshields and side windows?
Reviewed by the Skyview Auto Glass technical team — NWRD-, ASE- and DINITROL-trained technicians · Updated November 2026
Quick answer
A driver’s handbook generally requires safety glass, a clear and unobstructed view through the windshield, and working wipers. Cracks, illegal tint, or objects blocking the view can fail those requirements. The exact limits vary by state, so check your state driver’s manual for the rules that apply where you drive.
What the general requirements cover
Most state driver handbooks describe the same basic glass requirements: the windshield must be made of safety glass, the driver’s view through it must be clear and unobstructed, and the wipers must work. Beyond those basics, the details — how big a crack is allowed, what tint is legal, whether a mirror is required if the rear window is blocked — vary by state.
A cracked windshield, heavy tint below the legal limit, or a view blocked by stickers or cargo can all put a vehicle outside the rules. See our guide on whether it is illegal to drive with a cracked windshield.
What a driver’s handbook usually requires
- Safety glass in the windshield and the windows.
- A clear, unobstructed view through the windshield for the driver.
- Working windshield wipers that clear the glass.
- Tint within the state’s legal limit for each window.
- Mirrors where required, especially if the rear view is blocked.
What can fail the equipment requirements
- A crack in the driver’s line of sight that blocks the view.
- Tint darker than the state allows on the windshield or front windows.
- Stickers, signs, or cargo placed in the driver’s viewing area.
- Wipers that streak, skip, or leave a clear gap across the glass.
- A rear window so heavily tinted that required mirrors are missing.
How the rules differ by state
The basics are consistent across most states, but the details shift at the state line. One state may allow a small crack outside the driver view, while another sets a strict limit on any crack that reaches the edge. Tint rules differ too, with separate limits for the windshield, the front side windows, and the rear glass, and some states require a mirror if the rear window is tinted dark.
That is why the state driver manual is the right reference, not a general rule of thumb. A vehicle that passes in one state can fail in another, and a crack that was legal at inspection last year may not be legal after a move. When in doubt, check the manual for the state where the vehicle is registered and driven, and have the glass inspected before a trip across state lines.
More questions about windshield and window requirements
Are windshield wipers required by law?
Most states require working windshield wipers as part of the equipment rules. A driver’s handbook usually lists them alongside safety glass and a clear view. Check your state manual for the exact wording.
Can you drive without a windshield?
It depends on the state and the vehicle. Some states allow it with eye protection, while others require a windshield on passenger vehicles. Check your state driver’s manual before you drive without one.
What are the equipment requirements for side windows?
Side windows generally must be safety glass and within the state’s tint limit. The rules focus on the driver’s view and the glass type, with details that vary by state.
Related guides
More in Safety and the law
- Is it safe to drive with a cracked windshield?
- How does a windshield protect you in a crash?
- Does a cracked windshield affect the airbags?
- Can you sell or trade in a car with a cracked windshield?
- Should you replace the windshield after an accident?
- What should you do if your windshield cracks while driving?
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