When You Must Get That Cracked Windshield Fixed in Texas

(Tyler, Texas) - We love our vehicles. We want to keep our vehicles clean, the body dent and scratch free and the windshields and windows clear to see around us. Spring time is always frustrating because every car, truck and SUV is the same color...yellow.

We've all had that moment when another car or truck runs over a small rock that is thrown into our windshield. That rock can just bounce off with no damage or it could be as extreme as busting your windshield pretty good. You can't use that person's insurance, either, to make a claim, you have to take it to a shop yourself to get fixed.

What Texas Law Says About Getting Your Cracked Windshield Fixed

My old car have a large crack in the windshield. It started with a couple of chips from some rocks that turned into a smiley face looking crack that went from side to side. It's a little hard to see in the picture below but you can see it:

Luckily, the crack wasn't anything that inhibited my view of the road. So, by Texas law, my cracked windshield was legal to drive with. When does it become illegal? It really all depends on if an officer believes it is obstructing the view.

READ MORE: Your Vehicle Registration Only Lasts for So Many Days Past Expiration in Texas

Section 547.004 of Texas Transportation Code

If you go to section 547.004 of the Texas Transportation Code, everything is spelled out. It doesn't list a cracked windshield specifically but it does mention anything that is installed on the windshield that blocks the view as illegal. It discusses the hotly debated topic of window tint, too.

Basically, if an officer can't see inside, it's illegal. Check out the code for yourself and make sure your vehicle is legal to drive in Texas.

READ MORE: If You Remove Your Front License, You're Breaking the Law in Texas