A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT to require windshields on PRIVATE PASSENGER vehicles subject to vehicle safety inspections.
The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:
SECTION 1.  G.S. 20‑127 is amended by adding a new subsection to read:
"(a1)	Every private passenger vehicle subject to safety inspection requirements in accordance with Part 2 of Article 3A of this Chapter shall be equipped with a windshield made of a type of safety glass approved by the Commissioner that is:
(1)	Free from any obstructions to the driver's vision of the road.
(2)	Free from cracks, scratches, or breaks that obstruct the driver's vision of the road."
SECTION 2.  G.S. 20‑183.3(a) reads as rewritten:
"(a)	Safety. – A safety inspection of a motor vehicle consists of an inspection of the following equipment to determine if the vehicle has the equipment required by Part 9 of Article 3 of this Chapter and if the equipment is in a safe operating condition:
(1)	Brakes, as required by G.S. 20‑124.
(2)	Lights, as required by G.S. 20‑129 or G.S. 20‑129.1.
(3)	Horn, as required by G.S. 20‑125(a).
(4)	Steering mechanism, as required by G.S. 20‑123.1.
(5)	Windows, windshield, and windshield wipers, as required by G.S. 20‑127. To determine if a vehicle window meets the window tinting restrictions, a safety inspection mechanic must first determine, based on use of an automotive film check card or knowledge of window tinting techniques, if after‑factory tint has been applied to the window. If after‑factory tint has been applied, the mechanic must use a light meter approved by the Commissioner to determine if the window meets the window tinting restrictions.
(6)	Directional signals, as required by G.S. 20‑125.1.
(7)	Tires, as required by G.S. 20‑122.1.
(8)	Mirrors, as required by G.S. 20‑126.
(9)	Exhaust system, as required by G.S. 20‑128. For a vehicle that is subject to an emissions inspection in addition to a safety inspection, a visual inspection of the vehicle's emission‑control devices is included in the emissions inspection rather than the safety inspection."
SECTION 3.  This act becomes effective October 1, 2003.