Understanding FMCSA Windshield Crack Regulations
A small crack in your windshield might not seem like a big deal, but it’s a serious violation for commercial drivers. If your windshield blocks your view, you risk inspection delays and violations. Keeping it in good shape protects your safety and helps you stay on track with the FMCSA compliance checklist.
In this blog, we’ll walk through what the law says, which cracks violate FMCSA rules, and how FMCA Filings can help you stay compliant and avoid thousands in fines.
Fix Visibility Issues That Put Your Truck and License at Risk
Cracks across your windshield bend light, disrupt your view, and hide important details like traffic signals and pedestrians. It creates blind spots that put you and others in danger. Windshield damage also weakens the structural support the glass provides during a crash, especially in a rollover.
The FMCSA enforces truck driver visibility laws as part of your legal operating requirements. If your windshield blocks your view, you’re failing to meet those standards. To stay compliant and keep your truck on the road, repair visibility issues before they lead to inspection failures.
Follow Part 393 To Know What Windshield Damage Violates FMCSA Rules
FMCSR Part 393 outlines exactly what windshield damage violates federal safety rules. These standards help inspectors keep your truck on the road or remove it from service when it violates visibility rules.
Cracks that meet any of the following conditions break windshield obstruction rules:
- A crack larger than 0.75 inches in diameter
- Any intersecting cracks
- Cracks directly in your line of sight above the steering wheel
- Two cracks within three inches of each other
These aren’t suggestions; if your windshield shows any of these issues, you risk a failed inspection and a citation. Keep your visibility clear to meet federal standards and avoid unexpected downtime.
State Laws Stack on Top of Federal Windshield Requirements
Many states apply their own rules on top of FMCSA windshield crack regulations. For example, Louisiana limits the number and size of chips, Vermont sets specific limits for star cracks, and Pennsylvania prohibits any damage that affects visibility in the driver’s view.
In some states, enforcement depends on the officer’s judgment during a stop or inspection. If you drive with commercial vehicle glass damage, you risk tickets, delays, and safety violations that could pull your truck off the road.
Mount Safety Devices Only Where FMCSA Visibility Rules Allow
FMCSA visibility standards let you mount certain safety devices on the inside of the windshield, but only within specific zones. These devices must stay inside the area swept by the wipers and cannot block the driver’s view of the road or signs.
The updated rule lets you mount approved safety tech up to 8.5 inches below the top edge of the wiper-swept area. Approved systems include GPS units, driver-facing cameras, radar sensors, lane departure warnings, and traffic sign recognition tools.
The FMCSA has not yet approved Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) and continues to review it separately.
Resolve Windshield Violations Early With a Fix-It Ticket
A fix-it ticket gives you a chance to repair your windshield before fines or penalties increase. These tickets often result from violations of FMCSA windshield crack regulations, especially when cracks block visibility or fall within restricted zones.
If you fix the issue and show proof by the deadline, you may avoid the citation entirely. However, ignoring DOT windshield requirements leads to repeated violations, failed inspections, and time off the road. Continued noncompliance could also impact your registration or FMCSA safety measurement score, which inspectors and carriers use to evaluate risk.
Handle All Visibility-Related FMCSA Filings Through FMCA Filings
Your windshield condition affects your FMCSA inspection results and compliance records. When you drive with commercial vehicle glass damage, you risk paperwork, citations, and required follow-ups.
FMCA Filings handles the forms, updates, and filings tied to visibility violations. We keep your records accurate and up to date, so you don’t have to manage them alone. FMCA Filings walks you through each step and helps you meet every requirement on time.
Make FMCSA Visibility Compliance a Priority for Every Vehicle
FMCSA windshield crack regulations set clear limits on what’s allowed and what puts your vehicle out of compliance. These rules treat visibility as a core safety issue, not a minor detail. If a crack blocks your view or falls outside approved zones, you risk inspection failures and delays that pull your truck off the road.
Visibility is only one small part of compliance. For a full look at what else changed this year, read FMCA Filing's blog, "What Are the FMCSA’s New Rules for 2025?"