Driving with windshield down - Legal in city?

Hey all. I think the title of this says it all. I was wondering if there are laws re: driving with the windshield down while city driving. In the 70's I heard you had to have eye protection (source questionable) but unsure of todays standards. I'm looking for California laws but any info helps.

 

I would say it is almost certain an illegal activity, as far as CA.

Maybe it would be OK if you wore a full face motorcycle helmet for your eye protection......R)

Kent

 

I agree with Kent, but I don't know the laws. I am just assuming. Heck... I drive with it down anyway! Once I get pulled over and told it has to be up, I guess I will change my policy.

 

In Texas you don't even need have to have a windshield. But if you do you gotta have working windshield wipers.

 

Washington laws says in reguards to windshields, "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)." I'd say that is a go for windshield down in Washington. Do a seach of California laws, it's gotta be there on the internet somewhere.

 

Same with Kansas.

 

Calif. requires a windshield on all motor vehicles except for motorcycles.
26700 Calif. Vehicle Code

 

Well the windshield is there ........ just not in use:twisted:

 

cant wait till its warm enough to go toppless :twisted:

 

In Galveston TX a guy runs around in an old FJ with no windshield or doors, sometimes with a snowsuit in winter, though. Ca is a lot stricter though, ie emissions..

 

Best bet is to ask a State Trooper what he thinks. Best to do it before you get pulled over.

 

I was going to say, if it was against the law It would be in California. They are very hard on you guys, but I am sure it's a different story When you get off road. That is when I want my windshield down anyway. I moved from
Massachusetts, 30 years ago to the freedom of Arizona, for similar reasons
Doug/Tucson

 

Here in VA you dont have to have a windshield but if you do not you have to have on DOT approved eye protection ........... I wear sunglasses with the windshield down all summer long here. Ive passed bunches of cops here with not even a second glance , went though a state road block with no troubles also.... well except the expired inspection sticker R) . If you have a windshield you have to have working defrost and wipers ......... Im more legal windsheild down R) R)

But that is VA state law , Google where you live , or check local VW buggy and bike trike clubs most of them are pretty up on it.

 

What laws do you obayR) R) R)

 

I asked a CHP officer about this. As mentioned, he says the law requires you to have one but he also said it doesn't say anything about being in the up or down position. When asked if he would cite someone for driving around with the shield down, he said no, not at all.

 

Years ago, in NY, the law said, you had to have working wipers and an inspection/registration sticker affixed in the proper location on the windshield. So I asked, how about a 3"x5" piece of glass with a little tiny wiper in the proped location?? No answer, glaring look, I took the troopers advice and installed the windshield and folded it down, no problem ever, but catching a bug in the face at 55 really hurts!!!

Dale

 

I heard a similar trick, a guy tied a dental mirror to his motorcycle handlebar to meet the requirement of side mirrors.

Bad laws = incentive to game the system.

 

You know, Mike, I'm just north of you in Grand Haven, and have been driving around town with the windshield down for nearly 20 years.

People think I'm crazy, but never been pulled over.

Mike