When it comes to driving a vehicle on Alabama roads, you already know there are many rules you have to follow. However, in addition to the rules of the road, you also have to make sure that the condition of your windshield is also within the confines of the laws in Alabama. The following are the windshield laws in Alabama.
Windshields must be unobstructed
Under Alabama law, windshields can’t be obstructed in a way that hinders the driver’s vision of the highway or intersecting roadways. This includes:
Windshields can’t have any signs or posters that obstruct the driver’s ability to see through the windshield.
There can’t be any non transparent material covering the windshield, sidewings, front or back side windows or the rear window.
Windshield devices
Alabama statutes require that all vehicles have a windshield and cleaning devices:
Alabama requires that all windshields be equipped with a device that is designed to remove rain, snow and other types of moisture from the glass.
The windshield wiper on any vehicle on the roadways must be in good working condition so that it properly clears the windshield to ensure that the driver can see the roadways.
Windshield tint
While Alabama does allow window tinting, drivers are required to comply with the following:
The tint on the windshield, sidewings or the rear window can’t be so dark that it renders the occupants of the vehicle unrecognizable or unidentifiable to anyone on the outside of the vehicle.
The windshield tint can’t extend any lower than six inches from the top of the window.
Any tint used on the front windshield must be transparent, meaning that the driver and those outside the vehicle can see through it.
Non reflective tint is permitted on the windshield.
When window tint is applied to the windshield, the tint dealer must provide and affix a compliance sticker to show that it is in compliance with the laws in Alabama.
Alabama does allow exemptions for drivers who have documented medical conditions requiring tint on the windshield. These exemptions are only possible with certification of the condition from your physician and upon approval by the Department of Public Safety.
Cracked or chipped windshields
While Alabama does not have specific laws on driving with a cracked or chipped windshield, federal safety laws state:
Windshields must be free from damage in the area starting at the top of the steering wheel up to within two inches of the top of the windshield.
A single crack that is not intersected or joined with other cracks is permissible providing it does not cross the driver’s view through the windshield.
An area of damage, such as a chip, that is smaller than 3/4 –inch in diameter is permitted providing that it is not within three inches of another area of damage.
Fines
Alabama does not specify the exact fines for windshield damage other than citations being possible if the above rules are not followed.
If your windshield needs to be inspected or your wipers are not working properly, a certified technician, such as one from YourMechanic, can help you get back on the road safely and quickly so you are driving within the laws.
