Italy establishes new limits for chipped windshields

The Italian Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport has issued Circular No. 27890, defining specific technical and dimensional parameters for driving with chipped or cracked windshields. These regulations aim to distinguish between tolerable aesthetic defects and structural risks that compromise driver visibility and road safety.

For vehicles up to 3.5 tons, chips must not exceed 15-20 millimeters. Additionally, a minimum distance of 20-25 millimeters must be maintained from the edges of the glass. The ability to continue driving depends on the size of the damage, its specific location, and the effectiveness of any repairs performed.

These guidelines follow Article 79 of the Highway Code, which requires vehicle owners to maintain their vehicles in efficient condition. To ensure consistent enforcement, the Ministry of the Interior has issued Circular No. 30110 to instruct police forces on how to apply these technical criteria during roadside inspections and vehicle inspections.