Windshield & Wipers

Inspection Checklist for Driver Visibility, Windshield & Wipers

The inspection evaluates the driver's forward and side field of view for any objects or damage restricting visibility. The windshield and windows are thoroughly checked for cracks, chips, breaks, discoloration, or other degradation, along with verifying that any installed window tint films comply with legal limits.

Windshield Damage Assessment during Inspection

Evaluating windshield damage does not rely on a simple size rule (e.g., "cracks under X cm pass"). Instead, it depends on the location, extent, and overall impact on driver visibility:

• Minor Defect: A cracked or discolored window located outside the area cleared by the windshield wipers.

• Major Defect: Damage or degradation within the wiper sweep zone that significantly impairs visibility.

• Dangerous Defect: Severely compromised visibility within the driver's critical wiper sweep area, posing an immediate safety hazard.

Summary of KTEO Visibility Inspection Defect Codes (Section 3)

• Field of Vision (3.1): Obstructions or damage limiting driver visibility are rated as Minor or Major, depending on location and impact.

• Windshield & Windows (3.2): Cracked, discolored, or compromised glass ranges from Minor to Dangerous, based on damage severity and visibility loss within the wiper sweep zone.

• Windshield Wipers - Mechanism (3.4): Missing or non-functioning wiper mechanisms are recorded as a Major defect.

• Windshield Wipers - Blades/Rubber (3.4): Worn wiper blades result in a Minor defect, but missing or severely defective blades escalate to a Major defect.

• Windshield Washer System (3.5): Insufficient operation or misaimed spray nozzles result in a Minor defect, while a completely non-functional system leads to a Major defect.

• Defroster System (3.6): A defective or non-operational defroster system is marked as a Minor defect.

Windshield Wiper Inspection at KTEO

Windshield wipers are critical visibility equipment, and the inspection checks not only whether they move, but if they effectively clean the entire designated windshield area. If required wipers are missing or their mechanism fails to operate, it is recorded as a Major Defect requiring a re-inspection. Additionally, worn wiper blades that leave heavy streaks, fail to maintain proper contact, or show visible damage must be replaced prior to the check, and the sweeping mechanism must complete its full and correct range of motion.

Windshield Washer System Inspection at KTEO

The washer system works alongside the wipers to maintain clear visibility and is evaluated accordingly during the inspection. If the pump operates but the fluid reservoir is empty or the spray nozzles are misaimed, the issue is rated as a Minor Defect. However, if the washer jets fail to work completely, the issue escalates to a Major Defect requiring a re-inspection. To avoid complications, top up the washer fluid reservoir before your test and verify that the jets spray accurately onto the windshield.

Reference to Window Tinting Section

Detailed regulations, legal light transmittance thresholds (darkness levels) for each window, and the required certification/stickers for tinted films are covered separately in the dedicated "Sun Protection Films / Window Tints" Help Center section.

Glass & Visibility Requirements for Inspection

The windshield and side windows must meet statutory requirements, while sun protection films (window tints) are only allowed if they comply with legal standards. Furthermore, stickers, device mounts (e.g., phone/GPS holders), or other objects must not restrict the driver's essential field of view. Finally, damage or degradation within the critical wiper sweep area is assessed much more strictly than damage in non-critical zones, and the windshield must be securely fitted and properly bonded to the vehicle frame.

Pre-Inspection Visibility & Wiper Checklist

First, inspect the windshield under good light for cracks, chips, star-breaks, or severe discoloration, paying close attention to the area directly in front of the driver and within the wiper sweep zone.

Next, test all windshield wiper speeds and ensure the rubber blades are not torn, dried out, or leaving heavy water streaks.

Finally, top up the washer fluid, confirm that the spray nozzles function and aim correctly onto the windshield, check that the defroster operates properly, and remove any device mounts or objects obstructing your field of view.

Regulatory Framework & Legislation for Visibility in KTEO

The applicable legal framework governing visibility, windshields, and wipers is primarily defined by Ministerial Decision 340141/2022 (Government Gazette 5759/B/10.11.2022), which amended Decision 19111/192/2019 (Government Gazette 1003/B/26.03.2019) regarding inspection procedures and defect tables. The main regulatory reference is Annex I (Section 3: "Visibility"), specifically points:

• 3.1: Field of vision

• 3.2: Condition of glass

• 3.4: Windshield wipers

• 3.5: Washer jets

• 3.6: Defroster system

Additionally, Joint Ministerial Decision 49372/3352/2017 (Government Gazette 2726/B/04.08.2017) forms the core baseline aligning Greek periodic roadworthiness rules with EU Directive 2014/45/EU.

Important Note: The final grading of damage (e.g., a windshield crack) depends on its exact location, extent, and impact on safe driving. Two cracks of identical size may be graded differently if one falls directly within the driver's wiper sweep zone and the other does not.