Is It Illegal to Drive With a Broken Side Window? | What You Need to Know
Having a broken side window is one of the most inconvenient damages to a car. Unlike windshields that are designed not to shatter, side windows will typically shatter upon impact. We often see broken side windows due to attempted theft, vandalism, and damage from storms.
It’s important to know that it may be illegal to drive with a broken side window, as it can pose a serious safety risk to both the driver and others on the road. Whether you need a side window replacement, a car side mirror repair, or windshield replacement in Calgary, repairs and replacements shouldn’t be delayed, as the glass on your vehicle is crucial for everyone’s safety.
If you’ve gone into your car only to realize that the side window is broken or the glass has been shattered, here’s what to do next.
3 Things You Need to Do
Take pictures
Take pictures of the damage, including where it happened, if you’re away from home. If this is a possible attempted theft or vandalism, pictures are an asset for the police and your insurance company. Be sure to assess your vehicle for any other damage, write down what time you found the damage, the address of the location, and any other pieces of information that may be useful in your case.
Call your insurance and report to the police
If you suspect this is a crime, report the incident to the police as soon as possible. This process has evolved since the pandemic, with online reporting services now available. If you can, it’s best to avoid driving your vehicle with a broken or shattered side window. If you must drive your car to an auto glass repair shop or home in the meantime, we recommend avoiding busy highways and roads. Try to find an alternative route through quiet residential communities and streets with low speed limits.
Store your vehicle in a safe place
Store the car in a safe location until you can have it repaired. Leaving your car parked on the side of the road or in a public area with no protection is an invitation for car thieves to easily break in. If you don’t have a garage, ask a friend or family member if you could temporarily store your vehicle in their garage or seek a temporary storage unit. While it may be an extra expense, it’s worth it as a stolen car is much more of a headache to deal with than a temporary cost.
Is a Car Side Window Replacement An Emergency?
Yes, it can be – especially if the window is shattered. A broken side window leaves your vehicle exposed to weather, theft, and potential harm. If you don’t have a garage, are dealing with frigid winter conditions, or rely on your car for daily travel, the urgency increases. Most importantly, a damaged window compromises the safety of both you and your passengers. In many areas, it may also be illegal to drive with a broken side window, making prompt replacement essential.
Delaying the service can lead to:
- A fine – Alberta’s road regulations state that anything that compromises driver visibility can lead to a ticket and a fine, an order to repair, or police may issue a notice to remove your vehicle from the road. Save yourself the additional cost of paying a fine by scheduling a car side window replacement as soon as possible.
- A safety risk – Even a small crack on your car’s side window can become a hazard. During a collision, damaged auto glass can cause the window to shatter completely, leaving you and your passengers vulnerable to sharp glass and road debris.
- Auto theft – As mentioned above, a cracked side window is much easier to break into, and a shattered window altogether is an open invitation for car thieves. The issue becomes especially urgent if you park on the street or in a shared parking garage.
What to Expect With a Car Side Window Replacement
At 5 Star Auto Glass, our technicians will:
- Carefully inspect the damage
- Remove the door panel to access the glass
- Insert a new side window and replace the door panel
- Test the window to make sure it functions properly
- Vacuum any glass and debris out of the vehicle
A car side window replacement is a straightforward process, typically taking only 2 hours. You’d be back on the road safely in no time! If your side window has stopped working or the glass is shattered, give us a call, and we will replace it as soon as possible.
