Drivers on the North Carolina roadways know there are many traffic laws they are required to follow when traveling throughout the state. However, in addition to the road rules, drivers are also required to make sure that their windshields and windows are in compliance with the regulations as well. Below are the windshield laws in North Carolina that drivers are required to follow.
Windshield requirements
North Carolina does not require that all vehicles be equipped with windshields. However, other regulations include:
Any vehicle that has a windshield installed is required to have windshield wipers that can remove rain, moisture and other substances from the area in front of the driver.
If the vehicle has both windshield wipers installed, both must be in good working order.
All installed windshields must be safety glazing material or safety glass, which is manufactured to provide improved safety against shattering and flying glass when compared with traditional plate glass.
Obstructions
North Carolina has the following restrictions in place to make sure that drivers can see clearly while driving:
Posters, signs and non transparent coverings are not permitted on or in the windshield.
Inspection stickers and others that are required by law must be affixed in the lower corner of the windshield that is farthest from the driver.
Window tint
North Carolina also has regulations concerning the window tint that is permitted on vehicles.
Only non-reflective tint is permitted at the top of the windshield and must not extend below the manufacturer’s AS-1 line.
All other windows must allow greater than 35% of the light to pass through the combination of the glass and the film.
Reflective tint is permitted on the front side and back side windows providing it is not more than 20% reflective.
Red tint is not permitted on any vehicle.
If rear window is tinted, the vehicle must have a side mirror on each side to ensure proper visibility behind the car or truck.
Medical exemptions are possible for those who are photosensitive with an approved physician’s diagnosis and recommendation.
Cracks and chips
North Carolina does not have specific regulations concerning cracks or chips in the windshield. However, the state has enacted laws requiring insurance companies to waive the deductibles for those with comprehensive coverage that are having a windshield replaced.
It is also important to understand that an officer can pull you over if there are any large areas of cracks or chips in the windshield that he or she believes could fall under the windshield obstruction regulations.
Violations
North Carolina requires all vehicles to undergo inspections. In addition to the fines that are possible if you are pulled over for failing to comply with these laws, you may also fail the required inspection, which will require more of your time in order to bring the vehicle into compliance.
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.
