Scratched windshield may not pass inspection Pennsylvania inspection

I would ask the technician that is going to do the inspection. PA state law says that you need to replace the windshield if there is anything obstructing the view. This can be cracks, rock chips in view path of the driver, and scratches.

The picture did not attach so if you can try again, that will help.

However, PA state inspectors are each independent from one another so if one fails something that is a judgment call then another may not. However, most all of them are going to err on the side of caution because if you get pulled over and a cop finds this, they can pull the license of the technician that did the inspection and passed it if they think it fails.

Hi! Thank you for the quick answer it was helpful. Attached I put a link to a few pictures https://imgur.com/a/AiCFXzs let me know what you think. They’re very light and not really on the driver’s side they start towards the middle of the windshield

Yeah. I have seen those before. Normally they are caused by worn wiper blades. The only reason I would fail it for those is if when looking out the windshield, it would catch your eye. This can be distracting. I would stop in a few shops and ask the state inspector if they would fail it for that. Most will look quickly and give you their opinion.

Hi,

I am licensed to perform PA state safety and emission inspections. There is a critical view area on the windshield that can not be damaged.

The critical area is on the driver's side of the vehicle directly in the driver's normal line of vision—8 1/2 inches wide and 5 1/2 inches high. Cracks within this area area considered illegal. Scratches may be different. However, anything that obstructs the driver's vision in that area should fail safety inspection.

Here is a list of things not acceptable:

Glass with shatters or exposed sharp edges is not allowed
Any cracks or chips must not be directly in driver’s vision
Any large cracks or discoloration which interferes with clear view of the road is illegal on all windows
Areas of etching other than those required are not permitted

__________________________

Also, here are a few other things most people don't know. Note: This is right from the manual.

Other laws and regulations:
Obstructed windshield regulations: No sign, poster, or other non-transparent material is allowed on windshield which can impair driver’s view of the road.

Replacement windshields: Replacement windshield glass must be of the same kind and quality, and any repairs should restore vehicle to its original state.

Windshield wipers: Vehicles must be equipped with windshield wipers in good working conditions. Cracks which prevent wipers from operating correctly may be illegal.

If possible, upload a pic. If the scratches are not in the "Critical View" area, you should be okay.

Let me know if you have other questions.


Take care,
Joe

Thank you both so much for your insight! Joe here is a link to some of the pictures, does this help?
https://imgur.com/a/AiCFXzs

Hi,

Is that all on the passenger side?

Joe

I was having a lot of trouble getting pictures on the driver’s side with the lighting and what is there being so light. here is the best two I got:

https://imgur.com/a/qQgQqPB

They start more towards the middle and are a lot more visible on the passenger side. I may be able to see if I can get better ones tomorrow.

Hi,

I have to be honest, I wouldn't fail that. First, it appears to be above the state's measurements and it's really not a distraction that would hinder your vision. It's likely from a bad wiper blade.

It looks like the inspection sticker is good until 10/2021. Is that correct?

Let me know if I can help or if you have other questions.

Joe

Hi! Thank you. I appreciate the honesty. It is from a bad wiper blade. When I got it inspected they would only pass me for emissions so that’s 10/21 and the other is 10/20. They said they wouldn’t fully pass me until I replaced my windshield and paid for another inspection there.

Not sure where you are located, but I feel you should be able to find someone that would do it.

Can you tell me this. Are the marks in what I described and the critical view area?

Joe

I will need to double check tomorrow. If they are they’re on the edge of it.

Hi!

I measured this morning and both scratches from length and height measured more than 12 inches but I did it from the outside of the car. should I be measuring from the inside? I attached a much better picture of what it looks like, the sun was in my favor this morning .

https://imgur.com/a/ERpmlH3

Hi,

I see the scratches and they appear to only be on the passenger side of the vehicle. If that is the case, it will pass. Also, you have 30 days to have the vehicle re-inspected for repairs and the shop shouldn't charge you for another inspection.

Am I correct that it is on the passenger side of the windshield?

Joe

Thank you! They told me I’d be charged for a second inspection once I fixed the windshield and brought it back. so I think I’m going to just go somewhere else if they’re not supposed to charge. It’s mainly on the passenger side but in the latest picture I was able to capture where they start on the driver’s which is more towards the middle of the car. From the outside when I measured it seemed to be alright based on your measurements but didn’t know if I should measure from the inside.

Hi,

The idea that you have 30 days for a reinspection is state regulated and not the shop. However, I understand why you don't want to go. The thing is, the scratches are not in the critical view area of the windshield. Thus, it should pass.

Let me know if I can help.

Joe

Thanks Joe, the fact that they told me they would charge me again and were going to fail me for something you would say I would pass makes me think it’s best to go to another place. I really appreciate all of your help with this!!

Sounds good. A second (or third) opinion is sometimes the best idea. Let us know what happens when it is resolved. Thanks

Hi guys! Wanted to keep everyone updated, I took it somewhere else and asked the mechanic if he would pass my windshield. He said he recommends looking into getting the marks off but would if I got new wipers. That was the only thing that failed and all the other problems the other place brought up weren’t even a recommendation. Guess the other place may not be the best but happy this has a happy ending. Thanks all for your help!

Hi,

You are very welcome. The wiper blades are an easy fix. I'm glad to hear you got it taken care of.

Please feel free to come back anytime in the future if you have questions or need help.

Take care,
Joe

That is great. Glad it worked out for you. Sounds like the other place was looking for a little extra work. Maybe they were a little slow that day.

Thanks for using 2CarPros. Come back in the future. Thanks