It happens to almost every driver eventually: that dreaded crack as a stone flies off a truck tire on the 410 or a busy street in Brampton. Many drivers view a windshield crack as a cosmetic nuisance—an unfortunate cost of driving—but in Ontario, and specifically under the watch of Peel Regional Police, a damaged windshield is treated as a serious safety and legal liability.
The short answer is: Yes, you absolutely can get a ticket for a cracked windshield in Brampton.
Understanding why this is illegal, how the law is enforced, and what the penalties are is crucial for all drivers in the Peel region.
The cornerstone of the law: The Ontario Highway Traffic Act
In Ontario, the legality of driving with a cracked windshield is not governed by a single, specific “no cracked glass” law. Instead, it falls under the much broader provisions of the Highway Traffic Act (HTA), which focuses heavily on driver safety and vehicle roadworthiness.
🚗 Section 74(1): The clear view rule
The primary section police officers in Brampton will reference is Section 74(1) of the HTA, which states:
“No person shall drive a motor vehicle upon a highway (a) unless the windshield and the windows on either side of the compartment containing the steering wheel are in such a condition as to afford the driver a clear view to the front and side of the motor vehicle.”
This is the key legal standard. If a police officer determines that the crack or chip in your windshield obstructs or impairs your ability to see the road clearly, you are in violation of the HTA.
📝 Common offence and fine
While the fine can vary, the common set fine for a violation related to an obstructed view—which includes a significant crack—starts at $85 (plus an added victim surcharge, bringing the total higher).
However, the consequences don’t stop at the fine. In severe cases where the damage is extensive, an officer has the discretion to deem the vehicle “unsafe to operate.” This could result in a much more serious order to have your vehicle towed and inspected, potentially leading to additional charges and immediate grounding of the vehicle until the repair is made.
When does a crack become illegal? Location and severity
Not every tiny stone chip will result in a ticket, but police discretion plays a major role. Generally, a crack becomes a legal liability in Brampton when it violates the principles of the HTA in the following key areas:
1. The critical viewing area
This is the most sensitive zone. It is typically defined as the area of the windshield directly in front of the driver, roughly the size of a standard sheet of paper (8.5 x 11 inches), and the section covered by the wiper blades.
- A crack or chip in this area is almost always considered an obstruction.
- The damage here can cause dangerous optical distortion or glare, especially when driving toward the sun or at night, making it difficult to spot pedestrians, traffic lights, or road hazards.
2. Length and spread
A small, stationary chip (smaller than a loonie) on the passenger side is usually tolerated. However, if that chip has spread into a long crack (many provinces consider cracks over 6 inches/15cm to be a significant issue) or has web-like spidering, it shows the glass’s structural integrity is severely compromised.
3. Structural integrity and safety
Beyond visibility, the windshield is a critical safety component of your car.
- It provides up to 40% of the roof’s structural support in a rollover accident.
- It serves as the backstop for the passenger-side airbag, ensuring it deploys correctly toward the occupant.
An officer may issue a ticket if the damage is so severe that it is perceived to compromise these critical safety functions, falling under the HTA’s requirement that a vehicle must be in safe working condition.
The true cost: Beyond the ticket
While an $85 fine is unpleasant, the true cost of driving with a cracked windshield is far greater for Brampton drivers:
1. Failed safety inspections
If you are buying, selling, or bringing a used vehicle into Ontario, it must pass a Safety Standards Certificate (SSC) inspection. A damaged windshield that obstructs visibility, has poor repairs, or compromises the structure will cause the vehicle to fail this inspection, preventing the sale or registration until a costly replacement is completed.
2. The risk of a spreading crack
Brampton’s extreme weather—from the brutal heat of summer to the freezing cold of winter—creates constant pressure on damaged glass. The freeze-thaw cycle, combined with road vibration from potholes, can turn a minor chip into a full-length crack in a matter of hours. This immediately forces a full windshield replacement, a repair that is far more expensive ($300 to over $900, depending on the car’s sensors) and time-consuming than a simple chip repair.
3. Insurance deductibles
Many comprehensive insurance policies will waive the deductible for a small chip repair (often under $100). However, if you let that chip spread into a full crack that requires a replacement, you will almost certainly have to pay your full comprehensive deductible (often $300 or $500) to get the job done. Learn More about How to Get the Insurance Deductible for Windshield Replacement
How to avoid getting a ticket for a cracked windshield in Brampton?
The easiest way to avoid getting a ticket for a cracked windshield is to regularly inspect your windshield for any damage, no matter how minor it may seem. You should pay attention to chips, cracks, and any other issues that may obstruct your view. If you spot a crack or chip, don’t wait too long to get it fixed. The longer you let it sit, the more likely it is to spread and become a more significant issue.
At Fix It Fast Auto Glass, we provide quick and reliable windshield repair services in Brampton to ensure your windshield is in top condition. Our expert team can assess the damage and recommend the best solution, whether it’s a simple chip repair or full windshield replacement.
We offer competitive pricing and work efficiently to get you back on the road safely.
How to get your windshield fixed fast?
If you’re worried about the cost of fines or the potential damage to your car, don’t wait to fix that cracked windshield! Contact Fix It Fast Auto Glass today at 416-662-8761, and we’ll get your windshield repaired quickly, safely, and affordably. We’re experts in windshield repair in Brampton and can take care of everything, whether it’s a small chip or a full windshield replacement. Let us make sure your car is roadworthy and that you avoid the hassle of fines or more costly repairs down the road.
