LocostUSA.com

From what I hear, are car does not need a windshield to pass inspection in NY state. I would love to do a windshield-less build, but would it be able to be put on the road?

Also, if there is no windshield, does the vehicle need things like wipers, defroster, sun visors, etc, because I know they are usually required. If there an assumption that all vehicles have windshields so they need those things? (As in, will an exception be made if I don't have a windshield?)

They used to let you drive jeeps around with the windshield down. That's not an answer though and I'm interested in the same question...

Haha very true! I figure it will save me a lot of time, money, and weight if I dont have one. Just buy a full face helmet!

In Utah, not only is a windshield required, but wipers, demonstration of defrost capability and I-kid-you-not a windshield washer fluid squirter system.
ISYN.

According to http://www.nydmv.state.ny.us/forms/mv529.pdf every car built since 1935 requires a windshield.

Read the fine print at the top *If you are building a homemade or custom vehicle, please contact our Technical Services Unit at (518) 474-5282 (select option 4).

So call and ask.

This is wrong

It really depends on where you are, check your local laws. In Ontario, you don't need a windshield to get certified.

This is wrong

I may just be coming to visit you soon

Wow, that was the friendliest call I've ever put into a government agency! They said I do need a windsheild for a Lotus 7 style car

Wipers, defroster, and sun visors are neccesary, but wipers can be 1 speed and dont need windsheild squirters

But, that means I need saftey glass for the windsheild, and he said it will probably need to be about 18 inches high and 3 feet long... Time to start searching for glass Any ideas?

Check your local GLASS shop.

DOT 50, AS-1 spec

18" is too high. Replicate a real 7 if the state will approve.

Yeah I thought 18 sounded much too high too

I argued that my Westfield aeroscreen was a windshield. When they then required wipers/washers I told them it would be pointless to use on a car without a roof. I won the argument after several hours of deliberation with DMV management, and they titled it as a 2009 Assembly, Body type: roadster (no doors). I can attest that donuts helped my case. They liked sprinkles and jelly-filled the most. And don't make cow noises until AFTER you have your registration in hand. haha

Here's my "windshield":

Being nice to these folks can count for a lot sometimes. I was in line for registration once and gave something like 50 cents to a lady ahead of me that was short for her registration. When I got to the window, the women said oh wait there's a proble... ( pause, then a couple of keystrokes) oh nevermind, here you go! Couple of parking tickets just vanished, I think....

Very cool! I would just hate to do an areoscreen type setup then have them not approve it... I think I'm going to do a flip-down windsheild using the VW Thing type wiper system, it should be a little more classic roadster style too

But with that said, I have to figure out a mounting/hinge system.

Interesting. Each state has its own rules, but I've never been in one where the vehicle code didn't require a windshield be made of safety glass. I had a wind thingie similar to the Westfield aeroscreen and had to argue that it <wasn't> a windshield, merely a wind screen, and thus the safety glass rule didn't apply. I got a win with my definition since it was lower than eye level, but I've had enough challenges in the past (I've had a couple of vehicles where I drove around with a copy of the vehicle code in my car, just to simplify the 'random equipment checks' that seemed often to come my way) that the Lalo (my streamline locost) currently has its clear windscreens replaced with solid black ABS windscreens.

In Oregon, eye protection is required but a windshield is not; I wear helmet and goggles. In Washington ditto, but windshield wipers are required even if you don't have a windshield. Your mileage may vary.

Mr. McCornack said:

Huh??? I'm not the sharpest instrument, I know, but iffen ya don't gots a windshield, then where do the wipers go?
(I'd ask "and what do they wipe?" but the answers might be too... uhhh... "biological" for good taste...)

Tell me you wuz just funnin' us, Jack...