While Arizona doesn’t conduct annual vehicle inspections like some other states, it does require emissions inspections in designated counties such as Maricopa and Pinal. During these inspections, a vehicle with a severely cracked or otherwise obstructed windshield may be flagged for safety issues. While the emissions test is primarily focused on environmental compliance, inspectors are trained to identify unsafe driving conditions as well. If your windshield damage is severe enough to impair visibility or compromise safety systems, your vehicle could fail inspection and be referred for repair before passing. This becomes more critical when you consider how many of Arizona’s emissions inspection stations are located in cities like Phoenix, Glendale, and Tempe—areas where cracked windshields are common due to desert conditions. Even if your emissions are within legal limits, your windshield could hold you back from legally operating your vehicle. In addition, ADOT officers conducting roadside inspections or assisting with accidents can cite you for unsafe vehicle conditions related to windshield damage, leading to fines or orders for immediate repair. The best way to avoid complications during emissions testing or traffic stops is to inspect your windshield regularly and schedule repairs as soon as minor damage appears. Arizona’s legal framework is designed to keep drivers both environmentally responsible and physically protected.