The only safe and lawful course of action is to repair it before driving, or have the vehicle towed. Do not rely on “it’s only the back window” – the law and safety both demand a clear, intact rear windscreen.
Insurance Considerations. If you keep driving with broken glass and have an accident, your insurance company could deny a claim on... Speers Auto Glass The Dangers of Driving with a Cracked Windscreen The Dangers of Driving with a Cracked Windscreen * The law in Australia is clear on this. If you have a cracked windscreen and it ... Perth Windscreens and Autoglass Rear Windscreen Replacement London & Home Counties Why Rear Windscreen Replacement is Important. The rear windscreen, or back window, plays a crucial role in the overall structure a... QuickFit Windscreens Show all Visibility Requirements is it legal to drive with a broken rear windscreen
It's essential to check local laws and regulations regarding vehicle safety and maintenance. Even if it's not explicitly against the law, driving with a broken rear windscreen can be hazardous, as it can: The only safe and lawful course of action
Driving with a broken rear windscreen is generally legal as long as your vehicle has two functional side mirrors to provide a clear view of the road behind you . However, there are significant regional variations and safety risks—such as carbon monoxide poisoning—that can turn a "legal" drive into a citable offense. Regional Legal Overviews If you keep driving with broken glass and
If you are driving with a broken rear windscreen and it does not obstruct the driver's view, you are unlikely to be stopped by the police. However, if you are involved in an accident or are stopped by the police, you may be issued with a penalty notice and a fine.
In most jurisdictions, if the damage meets any of the following criteria:
However, may apply for certain commercial vehicles (e.g., vans with no rear windows) or if the vehicle is being driven directly to a repair shop.