Is folding down the windshield illegal?

RockDog

RockDog

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Athens, Georgia
Today I folded down my windshield for giggles and went on a drive around town with my girl. It was the first time I’ve driven with the windshield down- and I loved it! It was a ton of fun. Anyways, we got stopped by the cops and the officer said it’s illegal to ride on the street with your windshield down. I didn’t want any trouble so I just said “no problem, I’ll fix it when I get home.” But does anyone know what’s illegal about it? Is it the absence of mirrors? Any ideas?

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I don't know if the windshield being down is illegal or not but the lack of mirrors probably is, regardless, I wonder why he let you go anywhere, besides where you were pulled over, to fix it.

FWIW, Ohio doesn't require side mirrors specifically but does require at least one mirror. Georgia results may vary.
 
RockDog said:
Today I folded down my windshield for giggles and went on a drive around town with my girl. It was the first time I’ve driven with the windshield down- and I loved it! It was a ton of fun. Anyways, we got stopped by the cops and the officer said it’s illegal to ride on the street with your windshield down. I didn’t want any trouble so I just said “no problem, I’ll fix it when I get home.” But does anyone know what’s illegal about it? Is it the absence of mirrors? Any ideas?

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I’m guessing the state law is written in such a way that states a windshield is required to drive on the road in your state. Doesnt surprise me based on driver and passenger safety in the event of an accident, rollover and weather conditions.

A lack of understanding why a windshield is important would likely lead one to believe that a windshield law is non existent or silly. I can see why one would see it that way, example being; motorcycles...But I believe in GA its a legal requirement based on safety.
 
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Here is WA RCW:

RCW 46.37.410​

Windshields required, exception—Must be unobstructed and equipped with wipers.​

(1) All motor vehicles operated on the public highways of this state shall be equipped with a front windshield manufactured of safety glazing materials for use in motor vehicles in accordance with RCW 46.37.430, except, however, on such vehicles not so equipped or where windshields are not in use, the operators of such vehicles shall wear glasses, goggles, or face shields pursuant to RCW 46.37.530(1)(b).
(2) No person shall drive any motor vehicle with any sign, poster, or other nontransparent material upon the front windshield, side wings, or side or rear windows of such vehicle which obstructs the driver's clear view of the highway or any intersecting highway.
(3) The windshield on every motor vehicle shall be equipped with a device for cleaning rain, snow, or other moisture from the windshield, which device shall be so constructed as to be controlled or operated by the driver of the vehicle. After January 1, 1938, it shall be unlawful for any person to operate a new motor vehicle first sold or delivered after that date which is not equipped with such device or devices in good working order capable of cleaning the windshield thereof over two separate arcs, one each on the left and right side of the windshield, each capable of cleaning a surface of not less than one hundred twenty square inches, or other device or devices capable of accomplishing substantially the same result.
(4) Every windshield wiper upon a motor vehicle shall be maintained in good working order.
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Fouledplugs said:
What’s interesting is that a non working wiper motor is illegal. But makes perfect sense to me. I wouldn't want to share the road with someone who’a wipers didn't work...
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Yes agreed. But remember what state this is for. WA where rain is something that happens a LOT. Also one of the reasons they are so annul about fender flares & mud flaps because of the spray off tires.

It's the same thing about going doorless. Jeeps are legal because they were made to be removed but other rigs like a Cherokee or Toyota 4Runner or truck you can't.

So of our laws make no sense while others once you think about it are logical.
 
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suicideking said:
I've never understood the need to put the windshield down. More power to you though if you like getting bugs in your teeth lol.
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It’s intended for off-road use only, and is a lot of fun. But it should never be dropped on the streets. Imagine a rock big enough to crack a windshield hitting you in the teeth. No thank you.
 
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Jamison C said:
It’s intended for off-road use only, and is a lot of fun. But it should never be dropped on the streets. Imagine a rock big enough to crack a windshield hitting you in the teeth. No thank you.
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About the same as riding a motorcycle and getting smacked in the face or chest with a rock. While I normally only put my windshield down off-road I have driven down the road with it down when heading back to camp instead of stopping to put it back up.

But to each their own.
 
Jamison C said:
Imagine a rock big enough to crack a windshield hitting you in the teeth. No thank you.
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or the eye

Wildman said:
While I normally only put my windshield down off-road I have driven down the road with it down when heading back to camp instead of stopping to put it back up.
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You are Wildman after all. :cool:
 
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L J said:
or the eye



You are Wildman after all. :cool:
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Yes in the eye would SUCK. But it's also why if you do have it dropped you should wear some type of eye protection.

There are worse things than a rock hitting you in the face or chest. At least when riding a bike there is.
 
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Wildman said:
Yes in the eye would SUCK. But it's also why if you do have it dropped you should wear some type of eye protection.

There are worse things than a rock hitting you in the face or chest. At least when riding a bike there is.
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As a rider, myself, I completely agree. I was more referring to why it may be illegal to drive windshield down.
 
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L J said:
As a rider, myself, I completely agree. I was more referring to why it may be illegal to drive windshield down.
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Yes it seems to be different from state to state. Which is always interesting seeing what is allowed in one and not in the next.
I put mine down if the trail is super dusty as it makes it easier to see sometimes and you only have to try to keep your glasses clean instead of that windshield.
 
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Wildman said:
Yes in the eye would SUCK. But it's also why if you do have it dropped you should wear some type of eye protection.

There are worse things than a rock hitting you in the face or chest. At least when riding a bike there is.
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L J said:
As a rider, myself, I completely agree. I was more referring to why it may be illegal to drive windshield down.
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I used to ride as well (and race). The idea of riding anywhere without a full face helmet makes me cringe. Even a little bug turns into a projectile at 40mph.

I never was a fan of the open faced helmets though. Way too much wind on my face for my liking.
 
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Jamison C said:
I used to ride as well (and race). The idea of riding anywhere without a full face helmet makes me cringe. Even a little bug turns into a projectile at 40mph.

I never was a fan of the open faced helmets though. Way too much wind on my face for my liking.
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If I'm in a no helmet law state I hardly ever ride with a helmet and then when in a required state I wear a half helmet. But that is on my Harley when I'm doing that. I know the risks and know what could happen to me. When I rode sport bikes it was always a full face and all my riding gear. But it's like our Jeeps as each person makes their choices of how they have it setup and what they want.
 
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It's illegal in California to drive on the street with your windshield down. Nothing to do with the mirrors, you're just required to have a windshield (in the up position of course).
 
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