Anyone who drives a motor vehicle is required to know and follow a variety of road rules to remain safe and legal. However, in addition to those traffic laws, motorists are also required to make sure their vehicles are in compliance with the laws as well. The following are the windshield laws in Georgia that all drivers must make sure they follow to avoid citations and fines.
Windshield requirements
Any car that is driven on the roadways must have a windshield.
All vehicles are required to have wipers that are controlled by the driver to remove rain, sleet, snow, and other moisture.
Windshield wipers must be kept in good working condition to ensure proper removal and clearing of moisture from the windshield.
Windshields must be made of safety glass, which is glass that is treated or combined with other materials to result in a material that decreases the potential for flying glass and shattering if broken or struck.
Windshield replacement companies are not permitted to use any windshield replacement that is not made with safety glass or safety glazing materials that are not commissioner-approved.
Cracks and chips
Georgia has specific requirements when it comes to the windshield. These include that:
Windshields cannot have any areas of cracks or damage in a starburst pattern that is larger than three inches by three inches.
Windshields cannot have areas of cracks that create a spider web effect that is larger than three inches by three inches.
Additionally, drivers are required to follow federal regulations, which are:
Cracks and chips cannot be larger than ¾ of an inch in diameter.
Cracks cannot have additional cracks that intersect them.
Cracks and chips cannot be within the space between the top of the steering wheel and within two inches of the top of the windshield.
Window tint
Georgia law permits windshields to have non-reflective tint applied only to the top six inches.
Red tint is not permitted on the windshield or any other window on the vehicle.
A sticker designating that the tint on the windows is in compliance with Georgia laws is required on the windshield.
Obstructions
Motorists in Georgia are also required to follow additional regulations regarding obstructions on the windshield.
No materials that are solid or opaque in nature may be used in place of glass. This includes plastic, tape, cardboard and other materials.
No posters, signs or nontransparent materials can be affixed or placed in the windshield in a manner that obstructs the driver’s view of the road or intersecting roads.
Violations
Failing to follow these requirements in Georgia will generally result in citations. Georgia does not list the amounts, however, fines will be issued for drivers who are stopped for violations of windshield laws in Georgia.
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.
