Coronavirus:
We would like to reassure our customers that it’s business as usual here at 1st Call Windscreens. Given the circumstances, it’s the perfect time to get your windscreen fixed – and you can rest assured we’re taking all of the necessary precautions.
Laws & Regulations FAQs
With increasingly busy lifestyles, many overlook the importance of having a windscreen chip or crack fixed. Although it is clearly very dangerous, is driving with a chipped windscreen breaking the law?
Driving a motor vehicle in what is considered a dangerous condition e.g. with a chipped or cracked windscreen is an offence under section 40 of the Road Traffic Act. As such, if you were caught driving in this condition, you could receive 3 penalty points on your driving licence and a fine. If the case is taken to court, you may find yourself receiving a larger fine or even disqualification if you have previous convictions.
Finally, a windscreen with a chip or crack could cause your vehicle to fail its MOT, so it’s important to have the problem fixed before it escalates. Take a look at our guide to find out whether your windscreen needs to be repaired or replaced.
Yes. When it comes to windscreen repairs and maintenance, HGV vehicles, such as trucks and lorries, need their own specialist care. The large size of HGV windscreens means that there are different zones in which cracks and chips can fall into. ‘Zone B’ covers the majority of a vehicle’s windscreen which does not fall into the driver’s line of vision. If chips and cracks fall within this zone, a repair is more likely to be needed than a full replacement as it is considered less of a safety risk.
However, if the damage is obscuring the driver’s view then it falls into ‘zone A’, meaning that a replacement is required. Whilst this is similar to cars, for HGVs cracks of up to 150mm/15cm in length can be repaired, as opposed to cars where the crack must be smaller than £2 coin.
For larger fleet vehicles – such as buses, coaches and agricultural vehicles – certain marks or blemishes would not even require repairs, let alone replacement. For example, a number of light scratches spread over a large area of the windscreen will not need immediate attention. However, a collection of heavy scratches may be caused by a problem with the windscreen wipers which may require separate attention.
When it comes to repairing or replacing a windscreen, it’s important that the job meets the safety and quality standards in line with UK MOT rules for windscreens. Windscreen repairs need to meet British standard BS AU242a:1998 to ensure they are tested to the same standards as original windscreens when it comes to strength, performance and weather resistance.
Replacement glass must be fitted to an OEM (original equipment manufacturer) standard to ensure the replacement windscreen is fitted to the exact same guidelines and safety standards as the day it was made.
Even the smallest windscreen chip in the driver’s line of vision could cause a vehicle to fail its MOT test. Although the placement of stickers and GPS devices on the front windscreen is not illegal, The Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986 states that: “all glass fitted to a motor vehicle shall be maintained in such condition that it does not obscure the vision of the driver while the vehicle is being driven on the road.”
The Highway Code also states that “windscreens and windows MUST be kept clean and free from obstructions to vision”. Whilst this is not official legislation and will not immediately result in a prosecution, The Highway Code can be used as evidence in a court case under the Road Traffic Act.
Similarly, whilst it isn’t illegal to obscure the rear windscreen – either due to a sticker or a large load – the driver may be prosecuted if the vehicle does not meet regulation 33 of The Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986. It states that at least one fully functional mirror should be fitted on the exterior of the vehicle if the view through the rear window is obscured.
Byron was very informative, professional and polite. He fully explained the procedure and was very efficient. Highly recommended service all round....
- 3 weeks ago
Coming out on Christmas Eve and changing my windscreen was quick and easy. Friendly staff and good pricing. I’ll definitely use them again....
- 4 weeks ago
Arrived on time. Very friendly and explained what they were doing. Would definitely recommend them and use them again if needed. ...
- 1 month ago
From the moment I made the call, to repairing my windscreen it took two days. The staff were very friendly, helpful and professional. I am extremely pleased with their level of service and will defini...
- 1 month ago
Easy to book, arrived on time, carried out a windscreen repair, excellent job at a good price. Friendly staff, would definitely use again....
- 1 month ago
Byron was very nice and did a great job - thank-you...
- 2 months ago
Steve It’s the first time I’ve used 1st call but will always use them now. I spoke to Kieran he was very friendly and arranged for the fitter to come and repair my window screen. He turn...
- 2 months ago
arrived on time very informative with advice and took no time at all to carry out job ...
- 2 months ago
Fast and efficient, polite and extremely knowledgable. Would definitely recommend!...
- 2 months ago
Great service, so easy and quick, rang one day, booked in for when suited me, they came and repaired window screen in 10 mins or so. Very friendly and helpful men. Will recommend ⭐️...
- 2 months ago
Big thank you to Jeff who did a wonderful job replacing my windscreen and to Kieran for sorting it at a great price. By far the cheapest quote and the best service. Highly recommend. ...
- 2 months ago
I have been using 1st Call for few years now. Always a prompt reliable service, they will always try to be there when i request, unlike the larger National companies. Prices are competitive, staff are...
- 2 months ago
1st call windows would be the only windscreen company I would use and recommend. I looked through reviews before booking my car in for a windscreen repair. Most reviews were on replacement so I though...
- 2 months ago
Kieron was very helpful in arranging my windscreen replacement and Byron was friendly and efficient when he came to my place of work to carry out the replacement. All in all a faultless service that ...
- 2 months ago
excellent service quick and efficient. highly recommended....
- 2 months ago
Absolutely first class service always George BRITELITE windows ...
- 2 months ago
Polite, efficient and professional. Many thanks!...
- 2 months ago
So happy with the service received. Great customer service very friendly and came the next morning to fit 😊 thank you so much ...
- 2 months ago
fitted a windscreen to my classic car, perfect job, friendly team...
- 3 months ago
Great job , done fast and to add last job of the day after 5 pm and the technician in a good mood very helpful. The team is excellent!...
- 3 months ago
Fast repair excellent service and lovely people ...
- 3 months ago
Watch 1st Call Windscreens video, featuring our experts in windscreen repair & replacement in Sittingbourne, Maidstone & Gillingham in Kent.
You can come to us or we can come to you, with a 24-hour repair service to help you any time of day or night. We repair and replace windscreens from single vehicles to whole fleets.
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