No, you cannot legally drive a car without a windshield on public roads in Oregon. The state's vehicle code explicitly requires a windshield to be in place, and it must be in good condition without obstructions. The primary reason is safety; the windshield is a critical structural component of the vehicle's cabin, contributing to roof strength in a rollover and ensuring the passenger-side airbag deploys correctly. Driving without one exposes you and your passengers to serious risks from debris, wind, and weather, making the vehicle unsafe.
The legal requirement is outlined in the Oregon Revised Statutes (ORS) 815.020. This law mandates that your vehicle must be equipped with an approved safety glazing material, which includes the windshield. If a windshield is installed, it cannot have any cracks or discolorations that significantly impair the driver's vision. While the law doesn't explicitly state a penalty for a missing windshield versus a damaged one, an officer can issue a citation for "Operating an Unsafe Vehicle." This is a Class D traffic violation, which typically carries a fine. The vehicle would likely fail the state's required DEQ emissions and safety test.
In very limited circumstances, like driving a street-legal ATV or a specially classified vehicle, different rules may apply, but for standard passenger cars, a windshield is not optional. If your windshield is shattered, your immediate solution should be to have the car towed to a repair shop. Driving even a short distance is a risk to your safety and will likely result in a traffic stop and citation.
