A cracked windscreen might seem like a minor inconvenience, but in Victoria, it can lead to serious consequences—including being fined for a cracked windscreen, receiving defect notices, and even having your vehicle deemed unroadworthy. Your windscreen is a crucial safety feature, and any damage that compromises your visibility or the structural integrity of the glass could land you in trouble with the law. So, can you actually be fined for a cracked windscreen in Victoria? Let’s break it down.
Understanding Victoria’s Windscreen Laws
In Victoria, the Road Safety (Vehicles) Regulations 2009 set out the legal requirements for vehicle safety, including windscreen condition. According to these regulations, your vehicle must be roadworthy at all times, which means ensuring that all essential safety components—including your windscreen—are in proper working condition.
A windscreen must:
✔ Be free from cracks or chips that obscure the driver’s vision.
✔ Not have large cracks that weaken its structure.
✔ Allow for clear visibility of the road ahead and surrounding vehicles.
If your windscreen has damage that obstructs your vision or affects the strength of the glass, your car could be deemed unroadworthy. This means you might receive a defect notice, fail a roadworthy inspection, or, in some cases, be fined on the spot.
How Much Could You Be Fined?
If police determine that your cracked windscreen is a hazard, they may issue you with a Defective Vehicle Notice. This means you will need to have the issue fixed and provide proof of repair before you can legally drive again.
In more serious cases, if the damage is considered dangerous—such as a large crack that significantly reduces visibility—you could face a fine. The exact penalty depends on the situation, but general fines for driving an unroadworthy vehicle in Victoria can range from $250 to over $1,000.
Additionally, if you’re involved in an accident and a cracked windscreen contributed to the crash, you may be held legally responsible. This could lead to insurance complications, especially if the insurer determines that you were driving a vehicle in an unsafe condition.
Will a Cracked Windscreen Cause You to Fail a Roadworthy Test?
Yes! If you’re selling your car or need to pass a roadworthy inspection, any significant windscreen damage will likely result in a failed test. Inspectors follow strict guidelines when assessing roadworthiness, and a damaged windscreen that affects safety will need to be repaired or replaced before a roadworthy certificate is issued.
What Should You Do If Your Windscreen is Cracked?
If you notice a crack in your windscreen, it’s best to act fast. Here’s what you can do:
- Assess the damage – Small chips or cracks less than 25mm (about the size of a $2 coin) can often be repaired without replacing the entire windscreen.
- Get it fixed quickly – A small chip can quickly spread into a larger crack, making repairs more costly.
- Check your insurance – Many comprehensive insurance policies cover windscreen repairs and replacements, often without affecting your excess.
Final Thoughts
Yes, you can be fined for a cracked windscreen in Victoria, especially if it obstructs your vision or makes your car unroadworthy. To avoid being fined for a cracked windscreen, safety hazards, and failed roadworthy inspections, it’s always best to repair or replace a damaged windscreen as soon as possible.
If your windscreen is cracked, Gippsland Windscreens can help. We provide fast, professional windscreen repairs and replacements to keep you safe and on the right side of the law. Contact us today!
