Massachusetts motorists are required to follow a variety of traffic laws when driving on the roads and highways throughout the state. However, in addition to those road rules, drivers must also ensure that the windshield on their vehicle is in compliance with the regulations. Below, you will find the windshield laws in Massachusetts that you are required to follow.
Windshield requirements
All vehicles are required to have windshields in order to pass the mandatory vehicle safety inspection.
All vehicles are required to have windshield wipers that remove snow, rain and other moisture. The wipers must be controlled by the driver and have blades that are in good working condition in order to pass the mandatory vehicle safety inspection.
The windshield wiper washer must be in working condition to pass the safety inspection.
All windshields must be made out of safety glass, which is glass that is treated or combined with other materials to make it less likely to result in flying glass or shattering when compared with plate glass.
Obstructions
No stickers, posters or signs are permitted on the windshield or other windows that obstruct the driver’s vision.
Any vehicle that has window treatments such as louvres or other coverings on the rear window are required to have both outside mirrors to ensure a clear view of the road.
Window tint
Windshields can only have non-reflective tint along the top six inches of the windshield.
The front side, back side and rear windows can be tinted provided that they allow over 35% of the available light to pass through.
If the rear window is tinted, the vehicle must have both side mirrors to ensure proper visibility.
Reflective tint is permitted, but cannot be over 35% reflective.
Additional windshield tint may be permitted in situations of photosensitivity or light sensitivity with an approved physician recommendation upon review by the medical advisory board.
Cracks and chips
Windshields cannot have chips that are larger than the size of a quarter.
No cracks or areas of damage are permitted within the path that the windshield wipers follow when clearing the windshield.
Cracks, chips, discolorations, and other areas of damage cannot interfere with or obstruct the driver’s clear view of the roadway and intersecting roadways.
It is also important to understand that it is generally up to the ticketing officer’s discretion as to whether cracks, chips or areas of damage hinder the driver’s view of the roadways.
Violations
Failing to follow any of the above windshield laws can result in fines. The first and second offenses carry fines of up to $250. A third offense and any subsequent offenses will result in your driver’s license being suspended for up to 90 days.
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.
