Auto Glass Repair and Replacement
Replacement:
The Automotive Glass Replacement Safety Standard (the AGRSS Standard ™)—sets out the procedures to be followed for the proper replacement of auto glass. This auto glass safety standard is developed and maintained by the Auto Glass Safety Council (AGSC). The current auto glass Standard is ANSI/AGSC/AGRSS 003-2015. A copy can be purchased for $29 through the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).
Repair:
The Repair of Laminated Auto Glass (the ROLAGS Standard™)-defines the conditions under which auto glass can and cannot be repaired (the break in the glass remediated) and when it must be replaced (the glass removed and new glass put in). This auto glass safety standard called ANSI/NWRA/ROLAGS 001-2014 is developed and maintained by the National Windshield Repair Association (NWRA) and can be viewed online.
Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS):
There are a number of Federal car safety standards issued by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to implement laws from Congress that also come into play in the aftermarket repair and replacement of auto glass. Though these car safety standards were developed for new cars, they have implications in the repair and replacement of auto glass as well. They are:
- FMVSS 111 — Provides car safety standards for the devices and systems used to see out the rear of the car, including mirrors.
- FMVSS 205 — The motherlode auto glass standard for glass in vehicles, this Standard is simply called “Glazing Materials” and defines the specifications for use of glass and glazing in vehicles.
- FMVSS 208 — Is the car safety Standard for Occupant Crash Protection. Few people know this, but the windshield is an integral part of the occupant protection system. In fact, a windshield that was installed improperly can keep the airbags from functioning properly.
- FMVSS 212 – Explains how the windshield should be mounted in the car. This Standard is for new cars but it does have implications for those who replace glass as well.
- FMVSS 214 — is a car safety standard designed to protect occupants in the case of side impact and reduce fatalities from the same. It specifies strength requirements for the side of the vehicle, including glass.
- FMVSS 216 — is a car safety standard designed to protect occupants from roof crush an. It specifies strength requirements for the roof and supports of the vehicle, including glass.
- FMVSS 219 — An important auto glass safety standard that specifies the amount the windshield is allowed to be displaced during a crash. The purpose of this standard is reduce crash injuries and fatalities that result from components displaced near or through the windshield.
- FMVSS 226 — An important auto glass safety standard that mitigates the changes of ejection through side windows during a crash.
Windshield Quality:
- SAE J673-201506—This recommended auto glass safety standard practice was developed by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) mainly for car body engineers and designers. It includes nominal specifications for curvature, flatness, size and fabrication. It is a successor to the Z26.1 Standard. Though not written for the layperson,
the 8-page document is available from SAE for $74.
