Published on Feb 24, 2026
Welcome to another Q&A session where I answer questions from y'all on the internet.
Today's question is:
Definitely check your state laws. In this state, it’s definitely a secondary offense. If you’re already pulled over and that crack impedes your driver’s line of sight, you can get cited with a ticket for that. But most cops, I think, are generally going to be a lot more lenient on you.
And I don’t think you can get pulled over for it as a first offense—it has to be a secondary offense. The practical takeaway is that the risk goes up if the crack is directly in your view and you get stopped for something else. So while it may not be the primary reason you’re pulled over, it can still turn into a citation if it’s clearly obstructing visibility. If you’re unsure, it’s still best to address the crack sooner rather than later for safety.
In Washington, a cracked windshield is typically a secondary offense—drivers are more likely to be cited if they’re already pulled over and the crack obstructs their line of sight. Magnatech advises checking state laws and prioritizing safety.
