Is it illegal to drive in NZ with a cracked windscreen?

NZ law states you may not drive a vehicle with windscreen damage that impairs the drivers vision, or compromises structural integrity.

This means that even a small chip on your car windscreen can be a reason for warrant of fitness rejection.

The applicable laws can be found here on PDF:

1. Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Repair 1998

2. Land Transport Rule: Glazing, Windscreen Wipe and Wash, and Mirrors 1999. (as of Nov. 2025)

We've created this short blog post, as we get numerous customers who have just failed a WOF because of windscreen damage to their vehicle.