mechanics.tradeWindscreen damage
Windscreen damage came up 1,249,208 times at the MOT during 2025, the 7th most recorded defect on the list.
1,249,208recorded in 2025
4.1%of all recorded defects
7thon the national list
What it is
Chips and cracks are judged by size and by where they sit. Damage directly in the driver's line of sight fails at a much smaller size than the same mark over on the passenger side.
What the tester can write down
| Wording on the certificate | Category | Recorded in 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Windscreen or window damaged or seriously discoloured but not adversely affecting driver's view | Minor | 1,210,655 |
What you can do about it
A small chip can often be filled rather than the glass replaced, and many insurance policies cover that with no excess. Chips spread in cold weather, so getting one seen quickly can save the whole screen.
Nearby on the list
Every defect on the list, from 42,728,066 MOT tests in 2025.