If you drive in Michigan, you already know you are required to follow many different traffic rules to keep you and those around you safe. In addition to those rules, motorists are also required to make sure they keep their windshields in compliance with the regulations as well. Below are the windshield laws in Michigan that drivers are required to follow.
Windshield requirements
Windshields are required on all vehicles except those that are historical or that were not equipped with windshields when originally manufactured.
All vehicles required to have windshields must also have windshield wipers that effectively clear snow, rain and other types of moisture from the windshield.
Vehicles weighing more than 10,000 pounds are also required to have working defrosters or heated windshields that keep vision clear at all times.
All vehicles are required to have safety glazing material windshields and windows, which is either treated glass or glass that is combined with other materials that greatly lessens the potential for shattering or flying glass in the event of being struck or in an accident.
Obstructions
Motorists are not permitted to have posters, signs or any other nontransparent material on the windshield or front side windows.
Any vehicle that does not offer the driver a clear view through the rear window must have side mirrors on either side to provide visibility to the rear of the vehicle.
Only required stickers are permitted on the windshield and must be affixed in the lower corners in a way that does not obstruct the driver’s vision of the roadway and intersecting roadway.
Window tint
Only non-reflective tint along the uppermost four inches is permitted on the windshield.
Those who are light or photosensitive and have a letter signed by either an optometrist or a physician stating that it is required are permitted to have special window treatments.
Any darkness of tint is permitted on the front side windows providing it is applied four inches from the top edge of the window.
All other windows can have any tint darkness.
Only reflective tint that reflects less than 35% is permitted for use on the front side, back side and rear window.
Cracks and chips
Michigan does not have any regulations concerning cracks, chips and other areas of damage on a windshield. However, other laws include:
Vehicles must be in a safe operating condition that does not endanger the driver or others who are on the roadways.
Law enforcement can stop any vehicle that they deem as being in an unsafe condition on the roadways, which would include any chips or cracks in the windshield that prevents the driver from seeing clearly.
Violations
Failing to follow these requirements in Michigan is considered a traffic infraction that can result in citations and fines. Michigan does not list the amount of these fines.
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.
