If you drive on the roads in Iowa, you have to be familiar with the traffic laws and follow them. In addition to those rules, you are also required to make sure that your windshield is in compliance with the motor vehicle code requirements. Below you will find the windshield laws in Iowa that all drivers are required to follow when driving a vehicle on the roadways.
Windshield requirements
All vehicles except for motorcycles are required to have a windshield.
All motor vehicles must have a device that is controlled by the driver for the purpose of removing snow, rain, sleet and other moisture from the windshield.
Any vehicle manufactured after July 1, 1935 must have windshields made from safety glass, which is glass that is manufactured or treated in such a way that the glass is considerably less likely to shatter or result in flying glass if it broken or struck.
Obstructions
Iowa does not list any regulations concerning obstructions in or on the windshield. However, drivers are required to follow the federal guidelines, which are as follows:
Devices mounted to the top of the windshield cannot be lower than six inches from the top of the edge.
Any devices attached to the windshield must be outside of the area that the windshield wipers clear and out of the driver’s view of the roadways, signs and traffic signals.
Stickers that are required by law that are 4.5 inches or less in height may be affixed to the sides or bottom of the windshield in the area that is not cleared by the wipers and that does not obscure the driver’s ability to see the road, traffic signals or signs.
Window tint
Non-reflective tint is permitted at the top of the windshield above the manufacturer’s AS-1 line.
Tint on the front side windows must permit more than 70% of the light to pass through.
The back side and rear windows can have any tint darkness.
If the rear window is tinted, dual side mirrors are required.
Cracks and chips
Iowa does not have specific limitations on the acceptable size or shape of cracks or chips in the windshield. However, drivers need to remember the following:
The windshield must provide clear vision.
Based on the statute, it is important for drivers to remember that is it up to the discretion of the ticketing officer whether any cracks or chips in the windshield prevent clear vision.
Violations
Iowa does not provide information concerning the potential fines that drives may receive if they are not in compliance with these laws. However, citations are possible any time an officer finds that a vehicle windshield is not within these regulations.
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.
