MOT Windscreen Test: Your Clear View Guide

A clear view of the road is not just a convenience; it's a fundamental safety requirement for every driver. In the United Kingdom, the annual MOT (Ministry of Transport) test rigorously checks various aspects of your vehicle to ensure it meets minimum safety standards. Among the most crucial components scrutinised is the windscreen and its associated systems. This comprehensive examination is designed to guarantee that your driver's view remains unobstructed and effective, protecting you and other road users. Understanding what the MOT windscreen test entails can help you prepare your vehicle, avoid unexpected failures, and ultimately enhance your driving safety.

The MOT windscreen test, often referred to under the broader 'Visibility' section, goes far beyond just looking for a crack. It encompasses a detailed inspection of the windscreen's integrity, the functionality of your wipers and washers, and even extends to items that might impede your line of sight, both inside and outside the vehicle. Let’s delve into the specifics of this vital assessment.

The Windscreen Itself: Integrity and Clarity

The condition of your windscreen is paramount. Any damage, discolouration, or tinting that significantly impairs your view of the road can lead to an MOT failure. The inspection focuses on two key areas of the windscreen's swept region, which is the area cleared by your wiper blades.

Damage Assessment: Zone 'A' vs. Swept Area

Testers meticulously check for chips, cracks, and other forms of damage. The severity of damage is determined by its size and its location on the windscreen:

• Zone 'A': The Critical Viewing Area
  This is the most sensitive part of your windscreen. Zone 'A' is defined as a 290mm wide vertical strip, centred on the steering wheel, within the swept area of the windscreen. Any damage, such as a chip or crack, exceeding 10mm in diameter within this crucial zone will result in an MOT failure. The rationale is clear: this area is directly in the driver's primary line of sight, and even minor imperfections here can be highly distracting or obscure vital information.
• Remainder of the Swept Area
  For the rest of the windscreen's swept area (outside Zone 'A'), a more lenient limit applies. Damage up to 40mm in diameter is permissible. However, it's important to note that even here, if the damage is deemed to significantly affect the driver’s view, it could still lead to a failure.

It's not just the front windscreen that's checked. The windows on either side of the driver's seat are also inspected for damage. Just like the windscreen, any damage to these side windows that significantly affects the driver's view will be a cause for concern.

Tinting and Discolouration

Excessive tinting or discolouration of the windscreen or the windows on either side of the driver's seat is another common reason for MOT failure. The rule is straightforward: if the tinting or discolouration significantly affects the driver's view, the vehicle will fail. This is to ensure that visibility is not compromised, especially in low light conditions or at night.

Here's a quick reference for windscreen damage limits:

Repaired Windscreens

If your windscreen has been repaired, the tester will assess it solely on whether the repair interferes with vision. An 'invisible' or barely detectable repair, finished flush with the surrounding glass, will not count as damage. This encourages drivers to get chips repaired promptly, preventing them from spreading and becoming a more significant safety issue.

Wipers and Washers: Keeping Your View Clear

Even a pristine windscreen is useless if you can't clear it of rain, dirt, or debris. The MOT test, therefore, includes a thorough check of your windscreen wipers and washers.

Windscreen Wipers

The inspection of your wipers covers several key aspects:

• Operation: Do they work? Do they operate at all speeds (if applicable)?
• Extent of Area Swept: Do the wipers clear a sufficient area of the windscreen to provide an adequate view for the driver?
• Condition of Wiper Blades: Are the blades clearly damaged or worn? Split, perished, or hardened rubber blades will not clear the screen effectively and will lead to a failure.

Worn wiper blades are a common MOT failure point, yet they are one of the easiest and cheapest components to replace. It's highly recommended to check your wiper blades regularly for signs of wear and replace them if they are not clearing your windscreen efficiently.

There's an exception for certain vehicles: those with an opening windscreen or some other means of giving the driver an adequate view through the windscreen to the front, left, and right may not have their windscreen wipers tested. However, for the vast majority of vehicles, working wipers are essential.

Windscreen Washers

Equally important are your windscreen washers. The test checks if they are working and providing sufficient fluid to clear the windscreen. If your washer jets are blocked, misdirected, or if there's no fluid, your vehicle will fail its MOT. Always ensure your washer fluid reservoir is topped up before the test.

Beyond the Glass: Obstructions and Other Considerations

Your clear view isn't just about the glass itself; it's also about what's in front of it or hanging from it. The MOT test takes a dim view of anything that obstructs the driver's view.

Common Obstructions

Items often found in modern vehicles can pose a problem during the MOT:

• Satnavs in the windscreen: If positioned inappropriately, they can obscure the view.
• Furry dice, air fresheners, trinkets: Anything hanging from the interior mirror that restricts the driver's view is not allowed. Testers may ask for permission to remove them.
• Windscreen-mounted phone holders: Similar to satnavs, these must not obstruct the critical viewing areas.

While some items are an automatic fail if they obscure the view, others are only considered a defect if they seriously restrict it. These include:

• Taxi signs indicating 'for hire'.
• 'Official' stickers like parking permits or disabled permits.
• A sun visor on the driver's side that cannot be stowed in the 'off screen' position.
• Windscreen wipers that automatically stop in a position obscuring the view.

It's worth noting that official stickers (e.g., those for road enforcement or security) that are not readily removable are only a reason for rejection if they restrict the driver’s view. Additional interior mirrors and externally mounted items like mascots or spare wheels are generally not part of this specific test.

The Bonnet Catch: An Unexpected Inclusion

Perhaps surprisingly, the MOT test of the bonnet catch is now included within this 'Visibility' section. The reasoning is simple: if your bonnet flies open while you're driving, it will completely obscure your vision. Therefore, the tester will check that your bonnet can be safely secured in the closed position and is not at serious risk of opening inadvertently. A primary retaining device that is excessively deteriorated, ineffective, or insecure will result in a Major defect.

Rear View: Mirrors and Indirect Vision Devices

While not strictly part of the 'windscreen' test, the overall 'Visibility' section also includes ensuring an adequate view to the rear. This involves inspecting all mandatory rear-view mirrors or indirect vision devices.

• Exterior Mirrors: The test checks for an exterior mirror or device that provides a view along both the offside and nearside of the vehicle.
• Interior Mirror: An interior mirror or device that provides a view to the rear of the vehicle is also inspected.

In some modern vehicles, traditional mirrors may be replaced by indirect vision cameras. If such devices are fitted, both the camera(s) and the screen will be inspected to ensure they provide an adequate view to the rear from the driver's seat. Any obligatory mirror or device that is missing, inoperative, excessively damaged, insecure, or simply not providing an adequate view to the rear will lead to an MOT failure.

Understanding MOT Failure Categories

Defects identified during the MOT test are categorised based on their severity. Here’s how they apply to the windscreen and visibility section:

Frequently Asked Questions About the MOT Windscreen Test

Can a small chip in my windscreen cause an MOT failure?

Yes, absolutely. As detailed, a chip larger than 10mm in Zone A (the 290mm wide area directly in front of the driver, centred on the steering wheel) will result in an immediate MOT failure. Outside of Zone A but within the swept area of the windscreen, a chip larger than 40mm will also fail. It's always best to get chips repaired as soon as they occur, as this can prevent them from spreading and becoming a more costly replacement, whilst also ensuring your safety and MOT compliance.

Are aftermarket tinted windows allowed for the MOT?

The MOT test checks for excessive tinting or discolouration on the windscreen and the windows on either side of the driver's seat. If the tinting significantly affects the driver's view, it will fail. For the front windscreen, the law requires at least 75% light transmission through the glass, and for the front side windows (those next to the driver and front passenger), it must be at least 70%. Many factory-fitted tints meet these requirements, but aftermarket tints often do not. Always check the legal limits before applying tints.

What if my wipers don't clear the screen properly?

If your wiper blades are worn, split, or perished, they won't clear the windscreen effectively, leaving streaks or uncleared areas. This will be an MOT failure under the 'condition of wiper blades' or 'extent of area swept' criteria. Similarly, if the wiper mechanism itself is faulty and the wipers don't operate at all, or stop in a position that obstructs your view, this will also result in a Major defect. It's a simple, inexpensive fix to replace wiper blades, so it's wise to do this before your test.

Is having a satnav or phone holder on my windscreen an MOT fail?

It depends entirely on its placement. If the satnav, phone holder, or any other accessory (like furry dice or air fresheners) obscures the driver's view of the road, particularly in Zone A, it will lead to an MOT failure. Testers often advise placing such devices low down on the windscreen, out of the critical viewing areas, or using dashboard mounts instead. The key principle is that nothing should impede your line of sight.

Why is the bonnet catch included in the windscreen test?

While it might seem unrelated at first glance, the bonnet catch is included because a bonnet that flies open while driving would completely obscure the driver's view, posing an immediate and severe safety risk. Therefore, the MOT test ensures that the bonnet can be safely secured in its closed position and that its primary retaining device is effective and not excessively deteriorated. It’s a crucial safety check to prevent sudden loss of visibility at speed.

In conclusion, a clear and unobstructed view of the road is non-negotiable for safe driving and passing your MOT. From the smallest chip in Zone A to the proper functioning of your wipers and even the security of your bonnet catch, every detail matters. By regularly inspecting these components and addressing any issues promptly, you'll not only increase your chances of a successful MOT pass but, more importantly, ensure your own safety and that of others on the road. Don't underestimate the importance of a clear line of sight; it's your primary defence against hazards on the road.

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