1926.601(b)(5): Windshields, Wipers and Defrosters on Vehicles
Employers must equip all construction vehicles with cabs with windshields and powered wipers, and replace cracked and broken glass. Vehicles used where windshields fog or frost must have working defogging or defrosting devices.
Key takeaways
- 1926.601(b)(5) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart O).
- OSHA cited it 10 times in the last 3 years, in 10 inspections, with $10,200 in current penalties.
- Most citations: MI (5), AZ (1), ME (1).
- Related part: 1926.601(b) General requirements (92 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.601(b)(5) is one requirement inside 1926.601 Motor vehicles, an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart O). The official text below is copied word for word from the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR). The numbers, injury cases and training on this page show how OSHA enforces it on real job sites.
Official text
(5) All vehicles with cabs shall be equipped with windshields and powered wipers. Cracked and broken glass shall be replaced. Vehicles operating in areas or under conditions that cause fogging or frosting of the windshields shall be equipped with operable defogging or defrosting devices. 10 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.601.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 3 |
| 2025 | 5 |
| 2026 | 2 |
Top states: MI (5), AZ (1), ME (1), UT (1), SD (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| HUTCH PAVING INC | WHITMORE LAKE, MI | $7,000 |
| SUBTERRA TECHNOLOGIES | KAMAS, UT | $2,800 |
| STONEY CREEK COVE, LLC | SHELBY TOWNSHIP, MI | $400 |
| CPX2023XJW184X0033 - LEE'S PIPELINES, INC. | SAN TAN VALLEY, AZ | $0 |
| TOWN OF LISBON | LISBON, ME | $0 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.601(b)(5), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.601(b) General requirements 92 citations
- 1926.601(b)(4) 39 citations
- 1926.601(b)(14) 29 citations
- 1926.601(b)(4)(i) 13 citations
- 1926.601(b)(3) 8 citations
- 1926.601(b)(4)(ii) 5 citations
- 1926.601(b)(9) 2 citations
- 1926.601(b)(6)
- 1926.601(b)(8)
- 1926.601(b)(10)
- 1926.601(b)(11)
Get your crew competent
Trainers on Black Belt Safety: Marc Harvey, Dana Reyes
Trainers and suppliers: feature your business on this rule for $25/month.
Frequently asked questions
Do vehicles with cabs need powered wipers?
Yes. All vehicles with cabs shall have windshields and powered wipers.
Can I drive with a cracked windshield?
Cracked and broken glass shall be replaced.
When is a defroster required?
When the vehicle operates in areas or conditions that cause fogging or frosting of the windshield.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1926.601 (eCFR), text current as of 2026-10-15
- U.S. Department of Labor enforcement data: OSHA inspections, citations and accident records, copied nightly; data as of 2026-10-20
3-year window. Federal OSHA only; state-plan rules are not counted. Plain-language text is a summary, not legal advice; the official text controls. Black Belt Safety is not part of OSHA or the Department of Labor.