A chip is easy to ignore until it spreads. Here is what the rules say about driving with a damaged windscreen in the UK, and when a small chip becomes a problem.
What the law says
Your windscreen must be kept in a condition that does not obstruct your view of the road. If damage does get in the way, you can be stopped and penalised, even if the car has a valid MOT.
What the MOT checks
- Directly in front of the driver: in the area swept by the wipers, damage larger than 10mm is a fail.
- Everywhere else in the wiper area: damage larger than 40mm is a fail.
- Anything that obstructs the view: a crack or a sticker in the wrong place can fail, whatever its size.
Why small damage does not stay small
A windscreen flexes with every bump, and temperature swings make the glass expand and contract. A chip that is harmless today can grow into a crack across the screen within days.
If you can see it from the driver's seat, it is worth a phone call.
What to do next
- Take a photo of the damage and your registration plate.
- Call or WhatsApp us. We are open 24 hours.
- We tell you honestly what the glass needs, confirm the price and a time, and come to you.
