Christopher Collins 
Windshield is what directly impacts the road visibility, and under the Massachusetts windshield replacement law, one star break or other types of damage can already make driving the vehicle illegal and lead to consequences, such as rejection during the annual safety inspection.
At the same time, not every scratch means it’s time to visit a repair shop. In this article, we explain the main requirements for windshield condition in Massachusetts, along with related insurance issues, including which coverages may apply and what the claim process typically looks like.
What Is Meant by the “Massachusetts Windshield Replacement Law”?
The state has multiple laws regulating different aspects of driver safety, such as Massachusetts seat belt laws or right-of-way regulations. The state also covers windshield conditions under the “Massachusetts windshield replacement law,” also referred to as MA’s cracked windshield law. These are umbrella terms for a combination of rules that target windshield safety, inspections, and insurance coverage.
You can find these regulations listed in 540 CMR 4.00 to clearly understand what inspectors assess during the state’s annual safety inspection and what defects lead to vehicle rejection.
540 CMR 4.00 includes procedures for inspections for different types of vehicles, such as non-commercial, commercial, and motorcycles, and the rules relate not only to the windshield, but also to brakes, muffler and exhaust system, steering and suspension, horn, and many other components.
The insurance provisions regulate insurance policy terms and specify what coverage applies in particular situations (Collision/Comprehensive). For example, Massachusetts General Law Chapter 175, Section 113O requires insurers to offer the $100 deductible option under Comprehensive coverage for windshield and glass damage.
What Massachusetts Rules Say About Driving with Windshield Damage
As we said before, what Massachusetts law defines as critical when it comes to the windshield is whether it allows a vehicle driver to operate their car safely. Although the state law doesn’t require the glass to be spotless, there shouldn’t be any damage that interferes with the driver’s view of the road. Just like failing to follow Massachusetts car seat laws can result in citations, a driver can be ticketed for having an obstructed windshield, and the RMV may suspend their license after multiple violations.
If a cracked or chipped car’s windshield leads to the vehicle rejection during the inspection, the owner will receive a red sticker and is required to fix any defects within 60 days, according to the Massachusetts annual vehicle inspection laws. This period allows for a free re-inspection. Once the glass is replaced or repaired, the driver can legally get back on the road. They just need to keep their repair receipts in the car as proof until they return to the inspection station for their final passing sticker.
Cases When a Windshield Fails a Massachusetts Safety Inspection
According to 540 CMR 4.00, a non-commercial vehicle’s windshield will not pass a Massachusetts safety inspection if any of these conditions are present:
- The windshield has broken glass with sharp or jagged edges, whether on the inside or outside of the vehicle.
- Any stone chip, star break, or bullseye damage that is larger than one inch in the driver’s main viewing area or larger than two inches outside of it, or when there are several damaged spots.
- A single crack that extends more than three inches into the driver’s main viewing area.
- There are multiple cracks, where at least one of them reaches into the driver’s critical viewing area.
“Critical Viewing Area” in Plain English
We’ve already mentioned the term “critical viewing area” several times, but what does it actually mean? It’s not an entire windshield but only a specific portion of the glass.
This area is generally the section of auto glass that the wipers clear when they’re turned on. It still doesn’t include the outer two inches around the edges of the wiper-cleared area, as defined by the vehicle’s manufacturer.
Here’s a short checklist you can use to examine our vehicle windshield’s critical driving area before you bring your car in for inspection:
- Turn on your wipers to define your vehicle windshield’s critical driving area.
- Define this area from the driver’s seat, not from outside the car.
- Check for cracks, chips, or spreading lines in this area.
If it’s clear in that central viewing area, there’s a good chance it will pass inspection (given the other requirements are met, too).
Other Windshield-Related Fail Items
Apart from cracks and chips in the glass, inspectors also pay attention to a few other windshield-related items:
- Obstructions on the windshield: These can be any stickers, decals, or objects that block or interfere with the driver’s view.
- Wiper scratches and marks: The wipers themselves can cause scratches or marks on the glass. There shouldn’t be any wiper scrapes wider than ¼ inch within the critical viewing area.
- Tinting: Tints that are placed below the uppermost six inches of the windshield or interfere with the driver’s direct view.
- Wiper condition: The condition of your windshield wipers is directly tied to your ability to see clearly when it rains or snows. Therefore, they must work as originally designed.
Does Insurance Pay for Windshield Damage in Massachusetts?
Comprehensive coverage is the primary option for covering windshield damage. It must be in place before any glass damage happens. Thus, the windshield replacement or repair will be covered if you already have this coverage in place before any damage occurs.
While many insurance companies may offer a $0 deductible for glass repairs, glass and windshield deductibles are allowed in Massachusetts, and some policies now include them to keep premiums lower.
What about Collision coverage? It can apply to windshield damage in Massachusetts, but only in limited situations. Collision coverage pays for damage to vehicles when it’s caused by impact with another vehicle or an object, such as a guardrail. In these cases, the damage is typically handled as part of the larger accident claim.
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Windshield Replacement vs Repair in Massachusetts
If the damage is minor, a repair might be all you need. However, it’s always better to fix it sooner rather than later, waiting for the glass to shatter.
More serious damage may require a full windshield replacement since repairing it might not restore clear visibility. Additionally, larger cracks or chips not only impact visibility but can also weaken the structural integrity of your vehicle. The windshield helps support the roof during a rollover, and any damage to it could create serious safety risks in an accident.
Cost of Windshield Replacement in Massachusetts
The cost of replacing a windshield in Massachusetts can vary depending on a few key factors:
- Vehicle make and model: Luxury cars or vehicles with special glass or technology features usually cost more to replace.
- OEM vs aftermarket glass: Original Equipment Manufacturer glass is typically more expensive.
- Labor costs: Labor prices vary by shop and location, but they’re part of the overall replacement cost.
- Mobile service: If you have a technician come to your home or work, it’s more convenient, but it could cost more than going to a shop.
- ADAS calibration: Cars with advanced safety systems may need sensor recalibration after replacing the windshield, which adds extra cost.
- Deductibles: The deductible amount varies depending on the policy. As we specified, some plans offer a $0 or $100 deductible for glass repairs. The Massachusetts Division of Insurance recommends that drivers review their policy to understand exactly what is covered and whether or not they have a glass deductible.
How a Windshield Claim and Payout Typically Works
Here’s how the process of filing a windshield claim and receiving a payout typically happens in Massachusetts:
If you have comprehensive coverage, it should cover most glass damage. Review your policy or contact your insurer to confirm details, particularly regarding deductibles. Contact your insurer via a dedicated glass claims line or portal to report the damage. The state law (M.G.L. c. 175, § 113X) protects your right to choose your own repair shop. Or you may choose the one suggested by your insurer. The repair shop will usually reach out to your insurance company to receive the approval. Technicians will assess the damage to determine if a repair is possible. If a chip is outside the driver’s critical viewing area and smaller than a certain size, windshield repairs may be a better solution. Once the job is complete, the shop will usually send the bill straight to your insurer, so you don’t have to pay the full bill upfront and then wait for compensation. If your policy has a $0 deductible, you won’t have to pay anything out of pocket. If your deductible is $100, you’ll pay this directly to the repair shop.
It’s helpful to leave some time for potential delays, which could be caused by the following factors:
- Parts availability: Sometimes, the necessary windshield may not be available right away.
- Calibration: If your car has ADAS sensors, recalibration may be necessary after a windshield replacement.
- Insurance approvals: If the shop needs authorization from your insurer, delays may occur, too, if approval takes longer than expected.
Documents and Photos to Collect Before You File
Some delays may be beyond your control, but being prepared ahead of time can help avoid further delays. Here’s what documents to collect before filing a claim:
- Clear photos of the damage (preferably both close-ups and one wider photo showing the damage location on the windshield)
- Vehicle identification number (VIN)
- Auto insurance policy number
- Description of how the windshield damage happened (for example, from a rock hitting the windshield) and the location where it happened
- The inspection deadline if the windshield issue was identified during a state inspection
Common Questions About Massachusetts Windshield Rules
Can I drive with a crack on my windshield?
Whether you can drive with a windshield crack depends on the crack’s size and location. The issue is whether it affects your visibility. If it does, driving such a vehicle on the Massachusetts roads is illegal.
Will I fail inspection with a cracked windshield?
If a crack or chip interferes with the driver’s view, the vehicle may fail the safety inspection, and all the defects must be addressed.
How fast should I fix my windshield?
It’s best to fix your windshield as soon as you reasonably can. If windshield damage begins to affect your visibility, driving such a vehicle is both unsafe and illegal.
Will windshield replacement affect my inspection sticker timing?
Replacing your windshield doesn’t change your inspection sticker schedule. Your inspection sticker is still valid until its original expiration date.
