How Long Can You Drive With a Cracked Windshield in Canada?
So, you’ve noticed a crack in your windshield. What comes next? Do you have to immediately schedule a windshield repair (or windshield replacement)? Or can you keep driving it for a few days … or weeks … or months? Let’s get into all the factors that determine how long you should drive with a cracked windshield.
Is it legal to drive with a cracked windshield in Canada?
No, it’s illegal to drive with a cracked windshield in Canada if the damage impairs the driver’s view, though the exact legal standard varies by province. This means, both inter- and intra-provincially, there’s a degree of subjectivity involved. Of course, the size of the crack matters, but most provincial highway traffic laws focus more on visibility.
The upshot is that a small chip tucked in the corner of the glass is much less likely to incur the wrath of the law than a crack running through the driver’s line of sight. Ultimately, an officer has the discretion to decide which category your damage falls into during a stop.
Driving with a crack in your line of sight is illegal in all provinces.
Ontario’s Highway Traffic Act (section 74) requires a clear, unobstructed view through the windshield, and officers can ticket drivers $85 if damage interferes with visibility. British Columbia’s Motor Vehicle Act outlines a $70 fine for a windshield that impairs visibility. Alberta and Quebec also apply vehicle inspection standards, flagging any damage larger than about 12mm (roughly half an inch). As for what constitutes the driver’s “line of sight,” some language specifies the area of a windscreen that the wipers can touch when activated.
Quick reference: provincial windshield crack rules
| Province | Legal Threshold |
|---|---|
| Ontario | No fixed size. Any damage obstructing the driver’s view violates HTA s.74. Fines around $85. |
| British Columbia | Damage impairing visibility can draw a $70 fine under the Motor Vehicle Act Regulations. |
| Alberta | Damage larger than about 12mm within the wiper-swept area typically fails inspection. |
| Quebec | No fixed size threshold. Inspection standards may flag even minor damage in the wiper-swept area. |
If you’re unsure whether your crack crosses the line, don’t wait to find out at a checkstop or an inspection station. For more on telling a repairable chip from a replacement-level crack, see our guide on windshield chips vs cracks.
How does a cracked windshield affect driving safety?
A cracked windshield affects driving safety in three principal ways:
- Impaired sightlines. A crack in your field of view can create glare, distortion, or a blind spot, especially in bright sunlight or under streetlights.
- Compromised structural integrity. The windshield contributes to your vehicle’s structural strength, providing support in a rollover. A cracked windshield may not have the structural integrity required to provide that support.
- Hindered airbag deployment. In many models, the passenger airbag deploys against the windshield to direct it toward the occupant. A cracked windshield can fail under that force instead of holding firm.
It’s also worth noting that a damaged windshield can impair certain advanced-driver assistance systems (ADAS). ADAS features rely on various sensors, some of which may actually be inside your windshield. It’s important to consider this when evaluating a windshield and during repair or replacement.
Can a cracked windshield cause you to fail a vehicle safety inspection in Canada?
Yes, a cracked windshield might be cause for a failed vehicle safety inspection in most Canadian provinces. This is particularly true if the damage sits within the driver’s line of sight. A failed inspection typically means you can’t renew your vehicle’s registration until you fix the issue. In this case, that would mean a windshield replacement or repair.
Inspectors typically assess the same factors police do; e.g., the size of the crack, its location relative to the driver, and whether it’s spread far enough to affect more than one layer of the glass. A vehicle that fails on windshield damage typically needs the repair completed and, in some provinces, a re-inspection before registration can proceed. If you have a cracked or chipped windshield and an upcoming inspection, it’s wise to get a windshield repair or replacement ahead of time rather than risking a failing grade.
How quickly can a small windshield crack spread to require full replacement?
A small windshield crack can spread within days, especially in cold weather. Temperature swings cause glass to contract and expand, and when this happens around a weak point, such as a chip or crack, the deformation of the glass can spread. Highway vibrations are another factor, as they add constant, low-level stress. Furthermore, automated car washes can introduce pressure and water into the crack, accelerating its growth.
There are too many variables to say X crack grows by Y amount every day or week. A small chip could remain a small chip for years. Or it could expand, running the width of your windshield within a week or two if it’s left untreated through a cold snap. This is meaningful because the size of a chip often determines whether a simple windshield repair can fix the issue or if a full replacement is necessary, the latter typically costing more.
What are the risks of delaying windshield crack repair in Canadian winter conditions?
Putting off windshield repair in winter risks turning a small, repairable chip into a full-width crack that requires replacement. The reason the winter (and autumn) months are the trickiest for chips and cracks is because of freeze-thaw cycles. Water can seep into a crack during a mild afternoon, then expand as it freezes overnight, forcing the crack wider each time the cycle repeats.
It’s common for drivers who ignore a chip in the fall to end up needing a full windshield replacement before Christmas. The last thing you want to do is try to find time to visit the auto body shop on December 22nd – especially when a same-day repair on October 8th would solve the problem faster and cheaper. And while it’s true that parking in a heated garage overnight can slow this process, it won’t stop it. The repeated swing between outdoor and indoor temperatures will very likely keep the crack growing.
What should you do if your windshield cracks while you’re driving?
If your windshield cracks while you’re driving, follow these steps:
- Slow down and try to avoid sudden speed changes and hard braking; vibration and pressure shifts can exacerbate the crack.
- Stay away from automated car washes and don’t use your defroster on full blast; both can cause rapid temperature and pressure changes.
- Apply clear packing tape over the crack if you can’t go to the auto body shop right away. The tape is a moderately effective way of temporarily keeping out moisture and debris.
- Book a windshield repair service as soon as possible, ideally within a day or two, before the damage spreads further.
A cracked windshield won’t fix itself on its own. And however long it takes, it can only get worse.
If you have a chip or crack, book a windshield repair or replacement at your nearest CSN Collision.
