We are hiring! Are you an experienced technician? Join our outstanding team »
Is It Legal to Drive Without a Windscreen?
Reading time 3 minutes • Last updated on November 30th, 2023
Categories Driving Law » Windscreen Information »
Last updated on November 30th, 2023What does this mean?
A windscreen protects you from a multitude of things, such as bugs, weather, wind (duh) and gives you an extra level of protection if you are involved in a collision on the road. So why wouldn’t you want a windscreen? Well, apparently some mad hatters have created cars that are designed without a windscreen! But, is driving without a windscreen even legal? In this article, we discuss the laws and safety considerations of driving without a windscreen.
(Hint: it’s not)
If you happen to own a car, such as a Jeep or a car that lets you fold down the windscreen, then you can drive without the windscreen up. However, there are a few precautions you should take to protect yourself whilst driving without a windscreen. Eye protection or a helmet is highly recommended, as a variety of materials can collide with your face, causing injury – even small bugs can cause bruises and eye damage at a high speed.
If your windscreen has been smashed and you’re miles away from help, you can drive without a windscreen. You must ensure there is absolutely no glass around the edges and keep all your other windows shut. It might be difficult to drive at first, but eventually, once you reach a certain speed, air pressure builds up inside the car, making the ride more bearable. Although this is legal, it is better to get a temporary windscreen in the meantime – most service stations stock them.
Short answer? Not really.
Considering you may not pass if there is a chip or crack in certain parts of the windscreen, then most cars without one are certainly going to fail an MOT. A car with a cracked windscreen could fail an MOT, depending on the severity and location of the crack.
Your car will only pass an MOT if it is designed to be driven without a windscreen. Some versions of Jeeps and racing cars either come with a windscreen that can be folded down or no windscreen at all. These cars aren’t recommended for driving on highways, as it can be dangerous for yourself and other drivers when you are distracted by the high-pressure wind and bugs flying into your face.
Serving across the UK, the team here at The Windscreen Company can come to your location and repair or replace your windscreen at any time. Our 24/7 service means you’ll never be left stranded with a broken windscreen, so whether you need a one-off service or an ongoing contract for a business, get in touch with a member of our team today.
The Windscreen Company, has over 20 years of experience in windscreen repair and replacement. Since 1998, they have been at the forefront of industry innovation, leveraging the latest technology to ensure customer safety and satisfaction.
The Windscreen Company's, help-and-advice pages offer valuable tips and guidance on maintaining vehicle safety through quality windscreen care, while also featuring updated industry realted content.
The information within this article was accurate on the date the article was last updated based on the information that was openly available on the topic online. The Windscreen Company accepts no liability for any loss or damage caused by or connected with any error or omission in this article. You should make your own judgement in regards to use of this document and seek professional advice on your particular circumstances.
See if we Cover Your Area
Enter your details below to see if you're covered.
Your car may be smarter than you think Learn more in our guide to ADAS
We are trusted by lots of happy customers Read our reviews
© The Windscreen Company 2024. All Rights Reserved.
The Windscreen Company is a registered company in England.
Registered Number: 3545701 VAT Number: 720 0628 78
By clicking "Accept All Cookies", you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyse site usage, assist in our marketing efforts, and for personalised advertising.
