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Referring to the diagram below, examine the swept area of the windscreen and the driver's view through it.
In Zone 'A'
a. damage not contained within a 10mm diameter circle, or
b. a windscreen sticker or other obstruction encroaching more than 10mm
c. a combination of minor damage areas which seriously restricts the driver's view

In the remainder of the swept area: Zone B
d. damage not contained within a 40mm diameter circle, or
e. a windscreen sticker or other obstruction encroaching more than 40mm

If the damaged area of your glass is larger than this, you'll probably need a replacement screen.

Worn or damaged windscreen wipers can fail the MOT too.

If you're unsure whether your windscreen and wipers will pass, ask A1 windscreens to carry out a free pre-MOT check.

Temporary windscreens
Temporary windscreens are not intended for every day use. A temporary windscreen fitted to a vehicle presented for test is to be a reason for rejection.

Repaired windscreens
Repaired windscreens must be inspected to the same test criteria as original unrepaired windscreens. Repairs must be judged solely on the basis of whether they vision. An 'invisible' or barely detectable repair, finished flush with the surrounding glass, does not count as damage even if it exceeds the limit on damage allowed in the test.

If these criteria are met, the position and size of the repairs is not relevant for the purposes of the test.

Scratches
Scratches on the windscreen, ie light surface scratching, is not to be considered as damage. However, an area of concentrated scratching such as caused by the prolonged use of a defective wiper blade which obscures vision is to be considered a reason for rejection if it meets the fail criteria.

Grooved Windscreens
Grooves in windscreens which are designed specifically to clean the wiper blades are not subject to reason for rejection 4 unless they seriously impair the driver's view of the road.

'Official' stickers
'Official' stickers which are not readily removable- such as vehicle licenses, parking and access permits- are only a reason for rejection if they seriously restrict the the driver's view. 'Official' stickers should be taken to be any sticker which is used in connection with 'road enforcement', 'security' or 'crime prevention' matters.

These include: Disabled persons badges/permits, Parking permits, Licences and vehicle Anti-Theft Scheme stickers issued by a police Authority.

In certain circumstances, windscreen damage may be safely repaired. If a repair is to be contemplated, a vehicle owner should be recommended to seek advice from a service provider competent of repairing to the British Standard Codes of Practice BSAU242 and BSAU251.

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