Chapter 4Windshields and Mirrors
Section § 26700
This law requires most passenger vehicles, buses, motortrucks, truck tractors, and fire vehicles to have a suitable windshield. Motorcycles are not included. An exception exists for vehicles with special identification plates if they weren't originally required to have a windshield. Additionally, this requirement doesn't apply to autonomous vehicles that cannot carry a human driver, as long as they comply with federal laws or exemptions.
Section § 26701
This law outlines safety requirements for the glass used in vehicles and other specific types of motor vehicles. For vehicles made after January 1, 1936, they must have safety glass in partitions, doors, windows, and other specific areas. Campers made after January 1, 1968, must also have safety glass in exterior and interior windows and partitions. Motorcycles manufactured after January 1, 1969, need safety glass if they have a windshield. There's also a prohibition on using red, blue, or amber translucent materials in vehicle glass as aftermarket add-ons. Lastly, trailer coaches made after January 1, 1977, that can be towed with a fifth-wheel must also use safety glass.
Section § 26703
This law requires that any glass or glazing material replaced in motor vehicles, campers, or certain trailers must be safety glazing material. This applies to windows, doors, interior partitions, and roof openings. Also, the windshield and windows near the driver must also use safety glazing material when replaced.
Section § 26704
Whenever the phrase "safety glazing material" is mentioned in this section, it refers to a type of material that meets the safety standards set by the relevant department.
Section § 26705
This law states that starting from January 1, 1969, it is illegal to sell or offer for sale any motorcycle windshield that uses anything other than safety glazing material. The material must be designed specifically for safety purposes.
Section § 26706
All motor vehicles (except motorcycles) must have automatic windshield wipers if they have windshields. Vehicles registered after December 31, 1949, need two wipers, one on each side, unless a single wiper meets federal standards. Snow removal vehicles can have manual wipers. Autonomous vehicles without a driver aren't subject to this rule if federal laws allow it.
Section § 26707
This law states that your vehicle's windshield wipers need to be in good working order. They should ensure you can see clearly through the windshield, especially when it's foggy, snowy, or rainy. Your wipers should work well enough to clear the windshield during any normal storm or when the vehicle is carrying a typical load.
Section § 26708
This law makes it illegal to drive with anything on your windshield or windows that blocks your view, like signs or stickers. But, there are exceptions for things like rearview mirrors, sun visors, and certain stickers placed in specific spots. You can also have devices like GPS or cameras if they're not in the way. For people with medical reasons, special tinting is allowed with a doctor's note. Additionally, clear, colorless material can be installed if it meets specific light requirements and you have the necessary certification. However, if this material gets damaged, it needs to be fixed or removed.
Section § 26708.2
This section outlines the requirements for sun screening devices allowed on vehicle windows. These devices must be easily removable and can use frames, temporary fasteners, or roller shades. If the material is transparent, it should be green, gray, or neutral smoke in color with at least 35% light passing through. Devices with patterns must maintain uniformity, with at least 35% of the area open. Reflective qualities on any surface should not exceed 35%.
Section § 26708.5
This California vehicle law states that you cannot put any kind of transparent material on your car's windshield or windows that alters their color or blocks the light from passing through, with certain exceptions explained in another section. However, you can use tinted safety glass if it meets U.S. safety standards and is installed in the right locations according to those rules.
Section § 26708.7
This law allows law enforcement vehicles operated by government agencies to have window tinting or glazing without following the usual California restrictions. It's specifically for vehicles used by police officers when doing their jobs.
Section § 26709
This law requires all motor vehicles registered outside California and motorcycles in California to have a rear-view mirror that lets the driver see at least 200 feet behind the vehicle. Other vehicles in California need at least two mirrors, including one on the left side. Vehicles like buses, and those carrying loads that block the rear view, must have mirrors on both sides. This rule doesn't apply if the visibility block is caused by passengers in a car. Autonomous vehicles driven without human intervention are also exempt from this requirement, as long as federal laws allow it.
Section § 26710
This California law makes it illegal to drive a car on a highway if the windshield or rear window is in poor condition, making it hard to see the road. Additionally, specific rules apply to certain vehicles that must meet federal standards. If a police officer finds a vehicle with a defective windshield or rear window, the driver must fix it within 48 hours. The officer can ask the driver to appear in court and show proof that the issue has been resolved.
Section § 26711
This law specifies that any bus or trolley coach registered on or after January 1, 1960, that operates in urban and suburban areas, must have movable eyeshades to protect the driver’s eyes from the sun while driving.
Section § 26712
If you're using a passenger vehicle to transport people for hire, it needs to have a working defrosting device to clear the windshield of snow, ice, frost, fog, or moisture inside the vehicle.
However, this requirement does not apply to autonomous vehicles that can't be driven by a person inside, as long as such vehicles comply with federal laws or exemptions.