What does California Vehicle Code 26710 say?
Vehicle Code 26710 makes it unlawful to drive on a highway with a windshield or rear window so defective that it impairs the driver's vision to the front or rear. It doesn't list a crack length or a number of chips. The test is whether your view is impaired.
The section has three parts:
| Part | What it covers |
|---|---|
| (a) | Unlawful to drive with a windshield or rear window defective enough to impair vision to the front or rear |
| (b) | Vehicles covered by VC 34500, such as many commercial trucks, must also meet the federal windshield condition rule, 49 CFR 393.60(c) |
| (c) | An officer may direct you to fix the glass within 48 hours, may issue a notice to appear, and may require proof of repair |
What counts as "impaired vision"?
There is no fixed size. A long crack across the driver's side, a spider-web break, or damage that causes glare or distortion where you look at the road is more likely to be cited than a small chip low on the passenger side.
Things that tend to matter:
- Location. Damage in the area swept by the driver's wiper, in front of your eyes, is the most likely to impair vision.
- Size and spread. A crack that keeps growing across the glass gets worse at night and in sun glare.
- Type. Shattered or crushed areas scatter light more than a clean, small chip.
- Rear window. The law covers the rear window too, if damage blocks your view to the rear.
What happens if I'm stopped for a cracked windshield?
The officer can direct you to have it fixed within 48 hours and can issue a notice to appear. You may need to show the court that the windshield was repaired or replaced. This is the same "fix-it" process used for many equipment violations, and outcomes vary by case.
If you get a repair order, keep the invoice. It's your proof.
Does the cracked windshield law apply to side windows?
VC 26710 names only the windshield and rear window. Side windows fall under other rules, such as VC 26708, which covers objects and materials that block the driver's clear view through the windshield or side windows. A shattered side window is also a security and weather problem, so most drivers replace it quickly. See side window replacement.
Are chips treated differently from cracks?
The law doesn't separate them. What matters is whether the damage impairs your view. In practice, a small chip outside your line of sight rarely impairs vision, while a long crack in front of the driver often does.
Chips can turn into cracks, especially in the Temecula Valley heat. Repairing a chip early is cheaper and avoids the question. See why rock chips spread in heat and our repair or replace guide.
What are the rules for commercial trucks?
Vehicles covered by Vehicle Code 34500, including many commercial trucks, must also meet 49 CFR 393.60(c). That federal rule requires the windshield to be free of damage and discoloration in the area above the top of the steering wheel, excluding a 2-inch border at the top and a 1-inch border at each side, with limited exceptions for small damage.
Fleet operators running I-15 and I-215 see more rock damage than most drivers. Read about our fleet glass service.
Is it illegal to put things on my windshield in California?
Generally yes, with exceptions. Vehicle Code 26708 bars objects on the windshield or side windows that obstruct the driver's view. It allows some items in set places, including:
| Item | Allowed location on the windshield |
|---|---|
| Stickers and signs | A 7-inch square in the lower corner farthest from the driver, or a 5-inch square in the lower corner nearest the driver |
| Toll or CHP communication device | A 5-inch square at the center top of the windshield |
| Portable GPS | 7-inch square lower passenger corner, or 5-inch square lower driver corner outside the airbag zone |
| Video event recorder (monitors driver performance) | Either lower-corner square, or a 5-inch square at the center top |
The GPS and recorder exceptions come with extra conditions in the code, so read the text before mounting. The law also covers snow or ice blocking your view.
Need help?
If you've been given a repair order or your crack is in your line of sight, we can usually come to you quickly. Get a quote or read about windshield replacement and rock chip repair.