Understanding Maryland’s Windshield Calibration Law
With more and more vehicles on the road with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), it was inevitable that regulations on how to properly and fairly repair them would come eventually. For Maryland, that time is now.
It’s not a bad thing since ADAS isn’t going away. In a 2016 study, AutoBolt, an auto glass part lookup service, found that only around 25% of 2016 vehicle models required ADAS calibrations after a windshield replacement. But that number has jumped dramatically in their 2023 study, which found 89% of 2023 and newer vehicle models require the extra step when replacing a windshield.
As safety features progress, auto glass repair and replacement companies have to adapt, and with adaptation comes oversight. Here’s a simplified look at what Maryland’s recently passed auto glass calibration law SB 793 means for customers and repair shops.
What Is Maryland’s Windshield Calibration Law?
The law, effective October 1, 2023, stipulates that a repair shop or business must inform customers that their vehicle has ADAS and if it will need to be recalibrated as part of the windshield replacement or repair.
Along with this information, the repairer must provide a written statement verifying that the work will meet or exceed the Original Equipment Manufacturer’s (OEM) standards.
The law is designed and intended to act as a consumer protection against bad actors or businesses using bad practices, like charging drivers for ADAS recalibration that wasn’t performed or was attempted poorly.
Additional Stipulations
The new law forbids auto glass repairers from charging customers for recalibrations that weren’t actually done, and it requires repairers to inform their customers when calibration wasn’t performed properly. If a calibration wasn’t completed correctly, a driver would have to take their vehicle to a dealership to be calibrated and deemed roadworthy.
A violation of the law would be considered an “unfair, abusive or deceptive trade practice.” The business that violates the law would be subject to enforcement.
What Is D&S Glass Service Doing to Comply?
In all honesty, our team has already been meeting these standards to the best of our ability. Performing windshield replacements right the first time and communicating with our customers has always been our mission, and with the advent of ADAS, our goal hasn’t changed.
Instead, our team has focused and worked harder to accommodate the modern driver in this ever-progressing technology-driven world. Here are some of the things we do to ensure the quality and safety of our work:
Well-Trained Technicians
All of our technicians are certified in both glass replacement, repair, and ADAS recalibration, and we stay up-to-date on compliance, new ADAS technology, and recalibration techniques. It can be a lot to keep up with, but we see it as a crucial part of our job.
Expertise in Multiple Windshield Calibration Types
There are three types of windshield calibration that auto manufacturers use: static, dynamic, or a combination of both.
Static ADAS calibration is a diagnostic procedure conducted in a controlled environment to ensure the vehicle's ADAS systems are functioning correctly. It involves aligning cameras and sensors on the vehicle to accurately detect and respond to the vehicle's surroundings, thereby improving safety and driver assistance.
Dynamic ADAS calibration is a procedure undertaken while the vehicle is in motion to ensure its safety systems are working correctly. It involves checking and adjusting sensors and cameras that control these systems to guarantee their accurate response in real-time driving situations.
Our experts are certified to calibrate both types of systems, as well as the combo systems utilized by some auto manufacturers.
Maintaining OEM Standards in All Auto Glass Work
We’ve always focused our training and priorities on using OEM glass, glue, and more. As the gold standard when it comes to auto glass repair and replacement, our experts prefer maintaining the original standards of the auto manufacturers.
Since ADAS often requires OEM glass because of embedded sensors and other safety technology, continuing to use OEM products is the safest and most professional way for our technicians to help you.
Communication That’s As Clear As Glass
We recognize that you want your windshield repaired or replaced as quickly as possible, and we do everything we can to do that. At the same time, you deserve to understand exactly what we are doing. That’s why we take the time to explain our process and what we will do to ensure your windshield is in picture-perfect condition when we’re done, including recalibrating your ADAS.
You can also always expect upfront pricing and clear quotes before you even bring your vehicle in. Plus, we accept all auto insurance, so if you need to make a claim, we’ll help you out!
Stay Safe & Empowered With D&S Glass Service
While laws are being updated to keep customers safer and more protected, it’s nice to know that our company has always been focused on quality glass repairs. That’s why we’ve been serving the Waldorf and surrounding communities with reliable glass expertise for auto and residential customers for over 40 years!
Our experts ensure a safer ride for you at the best price around. Request a quote online or call 301-843-6833 to schedule a mobile or in-shop windshield replacement.