If you drive in New Mexico, you already know there are many different traffic laws you are required to follow. In addition to the rules of the road, however, motorists must also make sure their vehicles are in compliance with the equipment safety laws as well. The following are the windshield laws in New Mexico that drivers must comply with when driving their vehicles on the roadways.
Windshield requirements
New Mexico laws do not state that a windshield is required on any vehicle.
Vehicles that do have windshields are required to have working windshield wipers to remove rain and other moisture from the glass. The wipers must be controlled by the driver and be in good working condition.
Vehicles with windshields are also required to have safety glass, which is glass that is combined with other materials to substantially lessen the possibility of shattering or flying glass in the event of an accident or if it is struck.
Obstructions
New Mexico requires that drivers be able to see clearly through the windshield and other windows on a vehicle. The laws include:
Posters, signs and nontransparent materials may not be affixed or placed in the windshield or the front side windows.
If the rear window is used for visibility, it must also be clear of any non transparent materials.
If the vehicle has dual side mirrors, the rear window can be covered or blocked with non transparent materials.
Window tint
New Mexico also permits the use of window tint, providing it complies with the following:
Non-reflective tint may be used either above the manufacturer’s AS-1 line or along the top five inches of the windshield, whichever comes first between the two.
Red, amber and yellow tints are not permitted on the windshield.
All other windows may be tinted, providing they all allow more than 20% light transmittance.
If the rear window is tinted, the vehicle must have dual side mirrors.
A sticker that is one and one-half inch square or smaller must be affixed to each window that states that the tint is within the legal limits of the laws. Such sticker must include the name of the manufacturer, the light transmission and when the tint was manufactured.
Cracks, chips and defects
New Mexico does not have specific regulations concerning the permissible cracks or chips in windshields. Instead, the laws state that:
Motorists cannot drive a vehicle on the roadways that is in an unsafe condition that could endanger the driver, passengers or others on the road.
In terms of the windshield, this means that it is up to the discretion of the ticketing officer whether any cracks, chips or defects may obscure the driver’s vision and thus endanger others.
Violations
Those who fail to comply with the windshield laws in New Mexico may be subject to fines. However, the citation and fine may be suspended if you are able to correct the issue and provide proof of doing so to the courts.
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.
