# Can You Drive With a Cracked Windshield in Calgary?

> Alberta's Traffic Safety Act doesn't set an exact crack size, but officers can issue a vehicle defect notice for any obstructed view. A crack in the driver's primary line of sight, an edge crack, or anything that distorts vision is grounds for a ticket.

Author: Andrew

## What Alberta law says

The Traffic Safety Act and Vehicle Equipment Regulation require windshields to be in a condition that doesn't obstruct the driver's view. There's no specific crack length defined — enforcement is by officer discretion.

What officers typically flag:
- Cracks crossing the driver's primary vision area.
- Multiple cracks creating a spider pattern.
- Edge cracks (structural integrity concern).
- Anything causing distortion or glare.

## What you might get

- **Verbal warning** — minor crack, low-traffic area.
- **Vehicle defect notice (VI/Type B)** — must be repaired and re-inspected within a set time. Driving without compliance is a separate offence.
- **Ticket** — fine + demerits, depending on severity.

## When you should not drive

If the crack:
- Crosses your direct line of sight from the steering wheel.
- Is longer than 15 cm.
- Reaches the windshield edge (structural).
- Has spread since you last checked (active crack).

A spreading crack in a Chinook freeze-thaw can become a full break overnight. Driving at highway speed with a compromised windshield risks total failure.

## What to do

1. Take a photo. Email hello@windshieldrepair-calgary.ca.
2. We'll tell you if it's repairable (under 15 cm, no edge contact, not in vision zone).
3. If repairable: book online — $50, ~30 minutes.
4. If not: replacement, ~$400–900. We'll recommend a Calgary shop.

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Source: <https://windshieldrepair-calgary.ca/blog/drive-cracked-windshield-calgary/>
Last updated: 2026-04-28