Is It Legal to Drive With a Cracked Windshield in Montana?

If you've spent any time driving in Montana after a hailstorm, you’ve probably noticed something...cracked windshields everywhere. And not just right after the storm passes. It's not unusual to spot those same cracks weeks or even months later.

Some people say they wait until the next hailstorm to fully shatter the glass before replacing it. But is that actually legal?

When a Windshield Crack Becomes Illegal in Montana

Montana doesn’t have a hard and fast rule about how big a crack has to be before it becomes illegal. What the law does say is that your windshield has to be free from anything that blocks your clear view of the road. So, if a chip or crack is in your line of sight and makes it harder to see while you're driving, that could be a problem.

Cracked Windshield Violations Depend on Officer Judgment

Whether or not your cracked windshield is a violation comes down to the judgment of the officer who pulls you over. If they decide that the crack is affecting your visibility, they can write you up for an equipment violation.

Fines and Deadlines for Fixing a Cracked Windshield

If you're given a citation, it's usually treated as a minor equipment issue. Most drivers get a few days, often around five, to fix the problem. If you don’t, you could be looking at a fine ranging anywhere from $10 to $100.

READ MORE:  Why Swimming in the Yellowstone River Could Be Dangerous

Why a Cracked Windshield Is a Serious Safety Risk

Besides being a visual issue, a cracked windshield can be a safety hazard. Your windshield is part of your vehicle’s structural support system and also helps the airbags work properly. So while a small chip might not seem like a big deal, it can compromise the overall safety of your vehicle.

Insurance Can Help Cover Windshield Repairs, but Multiple Claims May Cost You

If you’ve got comprehensive coverage on your auto policy, your insurance will likely cover the cost of repairing or replacing your windshield, especially if the damage is in your direct line of sight. Some providers will even schedule the repair for you. Just remember: while one glass claim probably won’t raise your rates, filing multiple claims over time could.

Montana Windshield Laws 101

Here’s a quick rundown of what’s required by law in Montana:

• Vehicles (except motorcycles and similar types) must have a windshield

• The windshield and windows must use safety glazing material, glass that’s designed not to shatter dangerously

• If your windshield doesn’t have this material, you need to wear goggles or safety glasses while driving

• Functional, driver-controlled windshield wipers are a must

Get our free mobile app

Cracked Windshields Are Legal in Montana, Until They’re Not

So, yes, driving with a cracked windshield in Montana can be legal, but only to a point. If that crack starts to get in your way or threatens the integrity of your vehicle, you could find yourself with a ticket. When in doubt, it’s usually safer (and cheaper) in the long run to go ahead and get it fixed, especially before the next hailstorm comes around.