| By :
Stephen Daniels
A cracked or broken windshield is not only potentially dangerous; it is also a vehicle violation in many states throughout the country. The presence of a broken or cracked windshield gives a patrolman license to pull you over, ticket you for vehicle maintenance, or even assess a fine. Though a windshield replacement can be costly, there are benefits to addressing cracks in your vehicle's windshield early. Often, small star-shaped chips begin to form and if they are quickly repaired, the driver will save money by not having to replace the entire window. Frequently cracks are the result of a small rock hitting your windshield at high speed. This is a common occurrence on highways, where debris and dust tends to accumulate on the road. When the debris such as small rocks are disturbed by high speed vehicles, they can be thrown into the air like high speed projectiles in all directions. In some states - most notably Colorado - sandy and rocky roads are a natural side effect of de-icing efforts. Not surprisingly, motorists will be hard pressed to find a Colorado vehicle that does not features chips, nicks and spreading cracks in the windows. Windshield repair specialists frequently offer incentives; usually "repairs-while-you-wait" or deep discounts, to car owners who take care of chips and cracks in the auto's glass while the damage is still small. If a replacement is indeed needed, some businesses offer a curbside service that brings the technician to the car's location. This eliminates the hassle of taking off work or school to take the vehicle to a repair shop, and then having to ask someone to drive you about, relying on public transportation. Windshield repair or replacement is not optional in most states. In fact, more and more jurisdictions view cracks as serious safety hazards that impair the safe operation of any vehicle. For example, Texas' state troopers issue fix-it tickets to motorists who operate a vehicle with a crack that may obstruct a driver's view. When the motorist takes in the vehicle for the mandated inspection, he may be referred to a windshield repair shop for either a quick fix or a complete replacement, depending on the severity of the damage. A similar law governs driver safety in Florida. In this state the motorist may only be stopped if there is a bona fide risk to safety, but this is still largely up to the interpretation of police officers. In the state of Colorado, where cracks are commonplace, repair is strongly urged until the crack reaches about 1/2 inch in length. A complete replacement must take place when the crack is longer or if the shape of the windshield is altered - usually due to extended driving time with weakened glass. Other states warn vehicle operators to take care of windshield chips and cracks when the wipers touch any portion of the cracking. This is especially important in states where safety inspections include wiper blade inspections. In Texas, vehicle inspections that net the driver a citation for frayed blades may also result in a citation for fixing the condition that most likely caused the rips and tears; a cracked windshield. It makes sense to entrust the vehicle to a seasoned professional at the first sign of trouble. Even if the crack is small, does not show signs of spreading and generally does not impede the driver's field of vision, it is more convenient to fix it on the motorist's schedule than having to fulfill the stringent time limitations of a fix-it-ticket with a subsequent vehicle inspection.
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