Many drivers wonder if it’s possible to pass the MOT with a cracked windshield. This car component alerts the driver to all road signals and prepares them to react to a potential collision. However, sometimes it’s unavoidable for an object to hit the glass or for us to collide with something without realising.
In this article, we’ll explain how a cracked windshield affects the MOT and how you can solve the problem through Ralarsa’s available services, such as windshield repair. Don’t miss these tips!
Cracked windshield and MOT: how it affects driving
Car windows play very important and essential roles when driving. Here’s a recap so you don’t miss any:
- Clear visibility. Through the glass, we see the road clearly and can anticipate potential accidents. Around 90% of the information we get when driving comes via our car’s windows.
- Impact protection. The glass protects occupants during a collision, reducing the risk of more severe injuries, since the film layer prevents shards from flying loose.
- Structural support. The glass accounts for around 30% of a vehicle’s structural strength – both the windshield and side windows bear part of the car’s weight.
What if my windshield is cracked when going for the MOT?
If you drive with a broken or cracked windshield, this poses a serious safety risk — you’re endangering your life and that of other road users. Whether it’s a small crack or a large fracture, your vehicle will be deemed unfit to drive.
The DGT states: “The glass surface of the vehicle must allow, in all cases, clear visibility for the driver of the road ahead.” So, with a cracked windshield, you cannot see the road clearly. In such conditions, you will not pass the MOT with a cracked windshield, and traffic officers may stop your vehicle and fine you.
Fix the problem promptly with Ralarsa
At Ralarsa, we offer services to repair your vehicle’s glass, so you can face the MOT without any issues.
Timely windshield repair
If you’ve got a cracked windshield before the MOT, you should arrange windshield repair as soon as possible. Repairs are only possible in certain cases — for example, if the crack is smaller than a €2 coin, located outside the driver’s direct line of sight, and has not damaged the inner film layer.
We can do this at our workshop or, for your convenience, come to you. In just 30 minutes, your glass will be repaired and ready for safe driving again.
Glass replacement for safe driving
Sometimes glass repair is not possible, and replacement is the only option. This is always the case with side windows and the rear window, which can only be replaced. As for windshields, if the damage doesn’t meet the repair requirements above, it must be replaced in our workshop.
Now that you already know whether it is possible to pass the MOT with a broken car windscreen, it should be said that, in the case that you have carried out any of these services with us, it will not be necessary to carry out the car’s technical inspection again. On the other hand, other types of modifications, such as replacing the tyres, the headlights’ lighting, or the suspension springs, do indeed require a new technical inspection.
Say goodbye to worries with Ralarsa
At Ralarsa, we are experts in ensuring you drive with maximum safety. We have over 40 years of experience in automotive glass replacement, working with top‑quality materials to make your vehicle safer and better looking.
So, if you still haven’t sorted out your windshield damage and are worried about the MOT crack check, don’t wait any longer — visit your nearest Ralarsa workshop so we can fix it quickly. We’ll be happy to help!
