Cracked or Defective Windshield
A CVC 26710 citation means the officer found your windshield or rear window in such a defective condition that it impaired your vision to the front or rear (Vehicle Code 26710(a)). Under 26710(c), the officer directs you to make the windshield and rear window conform within 48 hours. Repairing or replacing the glass, then getting the correction certified, resolves this violation.
Correction Window
Vehicle Code 26710(c) has the officer direct you to fix the windshield or rear window within 48 hours. The court deadline is printed on your citation; get the correction certified before that date.
Fee After Correction
These steps apply when your ticket was issued as correctable. An officer does not issue it that way if there is evidence of fraud or persistent neglect, the violation presents an immediate safety hazard, or you cannot promptly correct it (Vehicle Code 40610(b)). When the court accepts your proof of correction, the court clerk collects a $25 fee for each corrected violation (Vehicle Code 40611). There is no fee if the agency that cited you handles the correction and nothing is sent to the court (Vehicle Code 40611(c)). Without proof of correction, you may owe the full fine. Check your notice or ask your court for the amount.
Who Can Certify
A police department, the CHP, a sheriff, a marshal or another agency that enforces the Vehicle Code can certify this correction after the windshield is repaired or replaced.
The court must dismiss a corrected violation when you deliver proof of correction on or before the date on your ticket (Vehicle Code 40522). After that date it may not accept the correction, and you may owe the full fine. If you fail to appear without good cause, the court may add a civil assessment of up to $100 after mailing you a warning notice (Penal Code 1214.1). Willfully failing to appear, or willfully failing to deliver proof of correction, is a misdemeanor (Vehicle Code 40508 and 40616). If you need more time, ask the court before the date passes.
Step by Step
How to Correct This Violation
- 1
Assess whether the crack or chip is repairable or requires full windshield replacement.
- 2
Have a licensed auto glass shop repair or replace the windshield.
- 3
Confirm the driver's line of sight is clear and unobstructed.
- 4
Have a law enforcement officer sign the certificate of correction.
- 5
Submit the signed citation and $25 fee to the court before your deadline.
Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
- My crack is on the passenger side, not the driver side. Does that still count?
- Vehicle Code 26710(a) applies when the windshield or rear window is defective enough to impair the driver's vision to the front or rear. A crack that does not impair your vision is not covered by that section. Where the crack is matters only because of how it affects your view. Repairing it is the simplest way to clear the ticket.
- Can I use a DIY chip repair kit?
- A DIY kit may be sufficient for very small chips. However, the officer certifying the correction will assess whether the damage is fully resolved. For cracks longer than a few inches, professional repair or replacement is typically necessary.
This guide covers passenger vehicles. Some rules differ for commercial vehicles and truck tractors (for example, where registration tabs go under Vehicle Code 5204(a)). If you were driving one, check with your employer or a licensed attorney.
This guide provides general procedural information only. It is not legal advice. For questions specific to your citation, contact the court listed on your ticket.
Also have a moving violation on your ticket?
Speeding and moving violations follow a different process. TicketClear prepares your written declaration.
See how TicketClear worksYour ticket has a deadline. Tell your side today.
Most California citations have a 60-day deadline. Write what happened in your own words, then review, edit and sign your declaration.
Start my declarationFree to start · $49.99 when you're ready to download