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Your windshield getting cracked because of a car accident, tree limb or other random accidents is bad enough without having to worry about getting a ticket for not getting it repaired quickly enough.

According to state laws, driving your car while it’s damaged may result in a ticket or warning. Here is what you need to know about Georgia State Laws.

Mechanical Violations

According to most state laws, you are required to have certain equipment properly installed and working on your car. This includes brakes, mirrors, reflectors, safety belts, tires, and windshields to just name a few.

If your vehicle does not have the required equipment working properly, you can be pulled over by the police and given a warning or ticket.

Required equipment for personal vehicles in Georgia.

According to Georgia Code, personal transportation vehicles are required to be equipped with:

A braking system sufficient for the weight and passenger capacity of the vehicle, including a parking brake;
A reverse warning device functional at all times when the directional control is in the reverse position;
A main power switch. When the switch is in the “off” position, or the key or other device that activates the switch is removed, the motive power circuit shall be inoperative. If the switch uses a key, it shall be removable only in the “off” position;
Head lamps;
Reflex reflectors;
Tail lamps;
A horn;
A rearview mirror;
Safety warning labels; and
Hip restraints and hand holds or a combination thereof.

(Source: Georgia Code §sect; 40-8-7 to 40-8-90)

If my windshield is cracked, does it break the law to drive with it unrepaired?

The Georgia Code does not specifically say that your windshield must be undamaged. However, it is a safety risk to drive your vehicle with a crack in the windshield if the crack is longer than 12 inches or if there is a chip larger than a quarter. If the crack interferes with your field of view, it is a greater safety risk and could get your ticketed. Consult with a lawyer or a police officer to learn more.

Get your cracked windshield repaired quickly.

Whether you will get a ticket or not, repairing your windshield quickly will prevent further harm and potential safety risks. Finding a local auto glass replacement and repair service that has the right glass, good service, and can meet your schedule isn’t hard.

Teen drivers are more accident prone than other age demographics. They are at the most risk for accidents April through July with prom, graduation and summer celebrations. While the most obvious reason is their lack of driving experience, underage drinking is a major player.

AAA did a survey of young drivers and the results were disturbing…

84 percent of young drivers admitted, they would rather drive drunk, or get in the car with a friend who’s been drinking, rather than call mom or dad. It’s a sobering stat, which has AAA “promising” to step in. [source]

This study is sobering when you think about the numbers. No one wants to bury their child, their friend, their student because of a DUI. Thankfully, organizations like AAA are teaming up with local schools to encourage young drivers to sign the “AAA PROMise.”

I promise not to drink alcohol, or to do drugs.

I promise not to drive intoxicated.

I promise not to let my friends drive intoxicated.

I promise my parents I will get home safely on Prom Night.

What can you do to help? Talk about it. If a teen goes into a situation with a game plan as to how to deal with a scenario – like needing to get home but being intoxicated – they are more likely to have a better outcome.

Is having a cracked windshield illegal?

Mechanical Violations

Required equipment for personal vehicles in Georgia.

If my windshield is cracked, does it break the law to drive with it unrepaired?

Get your cracked windshield repaired quickly.

When Are Teen Drivers Most At Risk?