Windshield & Visibility Inspection Checklist [FREE PDF]

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regulations under 49 CFR 393.60 mandate that no vehicle shall be operated with a windshield that obstructs the driver's clear view of the highway. Cracks, chips, discoloration, or foreign material within the critical viewing area are considered out-of-service violations under 49 CFR 396.9. This checklist helps fleet operators document windshield and visibility conditions systematically to maintain FMCSA compliance and prevent roadside inspection failur

  • Industry: Commercial Trucking
  • Frequency: Daily
  • Estimated Time: 15-20 minutes
  • Role: Driver
  • Total Items: 35
  • Compliance: FMCSA 49 CFR 393.60 - Glazing and Window Construction, FMCSA 49 CFR 396.11 - Driver Vehicle Inspection Report, FMCSA 49 CFR 392.7 - Equipment, Inspection and Use, DOT FMCSA 49 CFR 396.9 - Inspection of Motor Vehicles in Operation, SAE J1895 - Automotive Safety Glazing Standards

Windshield Glass Integrity

Assess the physical condition of the windshield glass for damage that may obstruct driver vision or constitute a federal violation.

  • Is the windshield free of cracks that intersect the driver's critical viewing area (area swept by wipers)?
  • Is the windshield free of chips or star breaks larger than 3/4 inch in diameter within the driver's critical viewing area?
  • Is the windshield free of discoloration, fogging, or delamination that impairs driver visibility?
  • Is the windshield free of unauthorized stickers, decals, or obstructions within the swept area?
  • Please photograph any observed windshield damage for the record.

Wiper & Washer System

Verify that windshield wipers and the washer fluid system are fully operational and meet federal equipment standards.

  • Are all required windshield wiper blades present and securely mounted?
  • Do the wiper blades clear the windshield effectively without streaking, skipping, or leaving unswept areas?
  • Do the wipers operate correctly on all available speed settings?
  • Is the windshield washer fluid reservoir filled and the washer system functional?
  • Are wiper arms free of bending, corrosion, or damage that reduces blade contact pressure?

Mirrors & External Visibility Devices

Inspect all required mirrors and external visibility aids for presence, mounting security, and clear reflective surface.

  • Are all required mirrors present including both side mirrors and any required convex or wide-angle mirrors?
  • Are all mirror surfaces clean, uncracked, and providing an undistorted reflection?
  • Are all mirror mounts and brackets secure with no excessive vibration or movement at highway speed?
  • Can mirrors be adjusted to provide the required 200-foot rearward field of view from the driver's seated position?
  • Are any camera-based mirror replacement systems (if equipped) fully functional with clear display screens?

Side & Rear Window Condition

Evaluate the condition of side windows, rear windows, and any rear-view glass panels for visibility compliance.

  • Are side windows free of cracks, chips, or damage that obstruct the driver's view of traffic?
  • Do all operable side windows open and close properly without binding or glass instability?
  • Is the rear window (if present) free of obstructions, damage, or unauthorized tinting beyond legal limits?
  • Is the rear window defroster or defogger functional where equipped?
  • Are window seals and gaskets intact with no air infiltration, water leaks, or rattling?

Lighting & Visibility Aids

Confirm all forward-facing and auxiliary lighting systems that affect driver and road visibility are operational.

  • Are headlights functional on both low beam and high beam settings?
  • Are headlight lenses free of cracks, yellowing, or moisture intrusion that reduces light output?
  • Are all auxiliary lights (fog lights, driving lights) functional and properly aimed?
  • Is the dashboard lighting and instrument cluster visible and readable at all brightness settings?
  • Are sun visor(s) present, adjustable, and in serviceable condition?

Cab Interior Obstructions & Driver View

Inspect the cab interior for items, devices, or conditions that reduce the driver's forward and peripheral visibility.

  • Is the cab interior free of hanging objects, decorations, or air fresheners obstructing the windshield view?
  • Is the dashboard free of items (paperwork, packages, equipment) that block instrument visibility or could shift during transit?
  • Are GPS, ELD, or other dash-mounted devices positioned and secured to avoid windshield obstruction?
  • Is the cab interior glass (windshield interior surface) clean and free of film, haze, or residue?
  • Describe any defects found in this section that require repair before the vehicle is placed in service.

Defect Summary & Corrective Actions

Document all identified deficiencies and confirm disposition before vehicle dispatch.

  • Were any out-of-service level defects identified during this inspection?
  • Have all identified defects been recorded on the official DVIR form?
  • Have repair orders been initiated for any defects requiring maintenance attention?
  • Has the vehicle been cleared for operation or placed out of service pending repairs?
  • Provide any additional notes, observations, or recommended follow-up actions.

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Why Use This Windshield & Visibility Inspection Checklist [FREE PDF]?

This windshield & visibility inspection checklist [free pdf] helps commercial trucking teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for driver professionals, this checklist covers 35 critical inspection points across 7 sections. Recommended frequency: daily.

Ensures compliance with FMCSA 49 CFR 393.60 - Glazing and Window Construction, FMCSA 49 CFR 396.11 - Driver Vehicle Inspection Report, FMCSA 49 CFR 392.7 - Equipment, Inspection and Use, DOT FMCSA 49 CFR 396.9 - Inspection of Motor Vehicles in Operation, SAE J1895 - Automotive Safety Glazing Standards. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Windshield & Visibility Inspection Checklist [FREE PDF] cover?

This checklist covers 35 inspection items across 7 sections: Windshield Glass Integrity, Wiper & Washer System, Mirrors & External Visibility Devices, Side & Rear Window Condition, Lighting & Visibility Aids, Cab Interior Obstructions & Driver View, Defect Summary & Corrective Actions. It is designed for commercial trucking operations and compliance.

How often should this checklist be completed?

This checklist should be completed daily. Each completion takes approximately 15-20 minutes.

Who should use this Windshield & Visibility Inspection Checklist [FREE PDF]?

This checklist is designed for Driver professionals in the commercial trucking industry. It can be used for self-assessments, team audits, and regulatory compliance documentation.

Can I download this checklist as a PDF?

Yes, this checklist is available as a free PDF download. You can also use it digitally in the POPProbe mobile app for real-time data capture, photo documentation, and automatic reporting.

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