Generally, a windscreen is deemed unroadworthy if it has extensive damage or if the damage that it has affects the driver’s visibility.
The New South Wales government has released a document detailing the legalities surrounding your windscreen which outlines when you need to legally have your windscreen repaired or replaced.
Always remember that these are worst-case scenarios; usually, it is best to have your windscreen repaired by a professional as soon as it is damaged.
When Is My Windscreen Legally Unroadworthy in NSW?
Your windscreen will be deemed unroadworthy and your vehicle rejected at a Safety Check (Pink Slip) inspection if it has any of the following problems:
- Severe cracks or chips are likely to worsen in the near future, which could cause your windscreen to shatter in the event of an accident.
- Abrasions or discolouration (including tinting) reduces the driver’s visibility, preventing them from driving to the best of their ability.
- Any other damage that can’t be repaired to remove the fault is also a good reason for your windscreen to be deemed unroadworthy.
There are also a few quantitative guidelines that can help drivers decide when they need to get their windscreens replaced or repaired. Again, these are worst-case scenarios.
For your safety, we always recommend getting windscreen damage fixed as soon as it happens.
Your vehicle will be deemed unroadworthy and fail a pink slip inspection if your windscreen has more than two of the following on the driver’s side:
- Hairline cracks up to 30mm long.
- Cracks from the edge of the windscreen up to 75mm long.
- Bullseye cracks (chips) up to 16mm in diameter.
Any cracks or chips larger than these allowable limits cause your windscreen to be deemed unroadworthy instantly. This means you fail the pink slip test and cannot register your car in NSW.
What Should I Do if My Windscreen is Damaged?
If your windscreen gets damaged, you should get it fixed by an industry professional such as Metro Auto Glass.
Getting repairs and replacements done by a professional will ensure that everything is in perfect condition, allowing you to pass any roadworthy or safety checks with flying colours.
Replacing Your Windscreen
There are some important things to remember when it comes to replacing your windscreen.
Firstly, you need to make sure that you use glass that meets Australian standards. This is a legal requirement in NSW and will make sure that you are protected in the event of a crash.
Vehicles manufactured in or after 1994 must be fitted with laminated glass.
Vehicles manufactured in 1993 or earlier can be fitted with either tempered or laminated glass, but laminated is highly recommended as it provides more safety in the event of an accident.
Repairing Your Windscreen
The most important thing when it comes to windscreen repairs is that they are done by skilled professionals.
This will make sure that they last, and that they are completed to Australian and industry standards.
A reliable windscreen repairman will be able to tell you if a replacement is necessary but will repair it whenever possible.
For windscreen chip repair it is important to note that even after the most skilled serviceman has repaired your windscreen, the damage will still be visible – usually as a small indent or mark.
For professional windscreen repairs and replacements in and around Sydney don’t go past Metro Auto Glass – your local windscreen specialist!
