What Does a Cracked Windscreen Mean for Your MOT?
If your vehicle has a cracked windscreen, you might be understandably worried about whether it will pass its MOT test. The MOT test assesses various safety and environmental aspects of your vehicle, and the condition of your windscreen is a significant factor. It's not just about aesthetics; a damaged windscreen can compromise your visibility and the structural integrity of your car.
The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) sets the guidelines for MOT testers. These guidelines are specific about the types and locations of windscreen damage that will cause a vehicle to fail. The primary concern is always road safety. A crack or chip can obstruct the driver's view, distort vision, or even shatter further under stress, posing a significant risk. Therefore, understanding these rules is vital for any vehicle owner preparing for their MOT.
Crucially, a cracked windscreen doesn't automatically mean an automatic failure. The MOT tester will assess the damage based on its size, location, and type. If the damage is within the 'swept area' of the windscreen wipers or is larger than a specified size, it will likely result in a failure. Knowing these criteria can help you anticipate the outcome of your test and take proactive steps if necessary.
- Damage within the driver's direct line of sight is a fail.
- Cracks larger than 10mm will cause failure.
- Chips larger than 16mm can cause failure if in the driver's view.
- Structural damage or distortion can also lead to a fail.
Why Windscreen Condition Matters for Your MOT
Why does the MOT test scrutinise windscreens so closely? The answer lies squarely in road safety. A damaged windscreen is not merely a cosmetic issue; it directly impacts your ability to drive safely and can affect the structural integrity of your vehicle.
Firstly, visibility is key. A cracked or chipped windscreen can create blind spots, distort your perception of distance and speed, and cause glare from oncoming headlights or the sun, especially at certain times of the day or in adverse weather conditions. These visual impairments can significantly increase the risk of an accident. The MOT is fundamentally about ensuring vehicles on the road are safe for everyone.
Secondly, the windscreen contributes to the structural strength of your car. In the event of a collision or a rollover, the windscreen acts as a crucial support for the roof. A compromised windscreen may not be able to bear the load it's designed for, potentially leading to more severe consequences for occupants. This is why the DVSA has clear guidelines; they are about protecting drivers and passengers.
A damaged windscreen isn't just an aesthetic flaw; it's a potential hazard that compromises your vehicle's safety and legal roadworthiness.
When your vehicle undergoes its MOT, the tester will carefully examine the windscreen. They aren't looking for perfection, but for damage that could reasonably affect safety. This includes assessing not just the damage itself, but its effect on your view and the windscreen's overall condition.
What to Do If Your Windscreen Has Damage Before Your MOT
If you discover your car has a cracked or chipped windscreen and your MOT is approaching, it's wise to address it promptly. Leaving it until the day of the test could lead to an unnecessary failure and the need for a retest.
The first step is to ascertain the extent and location of the damage. Is it a small chip or a significant crack? Is it in the driver's direct line of sight or within the area cleared by the wipers? While you can get a general idea yourself, an MOT tester or a professional windscreen repair service will provide a definitive assessment based on the official criteria.
Get your windscreen damage assessed by a professional repair service before your MOT; they can often repair minor chips and cracks, saving you money and a potential failure.
Many reputable windscreen repair specialists can fix minor chips and even small cracks effectively. Repairing the damage is often more cost-effective than replacing the entire windscreen, and crucially, it can prevent your vehicle from failing its MOT. A professional repair restores the structural integrity of the glass and can improve clarity, ensuring you meet the required standards.
If the damage is too extensive to be repaired, a full windscreen replacement will be necessary. It is vital to have this done by a qualified technician using appropriate materials that meet British Standards. Once repaired or replaced, ensure you have documentation of the work, especially if it was done close to your MOT date, as this can be helpful.
What Happens If My Car Fails the MOT Due to a Cracked Windscreen?
What is the process if your vehicle fails its MOT specifically because of a cracked windscreen? Upon failure, the MOT test centre will provide you with a 'Refusal of an MOT Test Certificate' or a 'Notification of Reasons for Failure'. This document will clearly state that the windscreen damage is a 'major' defect and why it caused the failure, citing the specific rule or criterion.
You will then need to arrange for the windscreen to be repaired or replaced to meet the required standards. Once the necessary work has been completed, your vehicle will require a partial retest. A partial retest typically focuses only on the items that caused the vehicle to fail. In this case, the tester will re-examine the windscreen to ensure the damage has been rectified according to DVSA regulations.
Ask the MOT test centre about their retest policy; some offer free partial retests if the vehicle is left with them for repair and retested on the same day.
It's important to note that if the damage was repaired and the vehicle is presented for a partial retest within a certain timeframe (usually 10 working days), the fee for the retest might be reduced or waived, depending on the test centre's policy and the nature of the repair. If the vehicle is taken away for repair and then brought back for a retest on a subsequent day, standard retest fees may apply. Always clarify these details with the testing station beforehand to avoid unexpected charges.