Flying Gravel and Broken Windshields: Legal Position and Correct Steps in Saudi Arabia

2026-08-08T12:00:00Z

Quick answer: If a flying stone breaks your windshield, don't chase the other vehicle. Stop somewhere safe, photograph the damage, note what you know about the vehicle (plate, make, color, place and time), then contact Najm or the traffic police to find out the right procedure for your case. Holding another driver liable is not automatic: it depends on proving the stone came from their vehicle and that there was negligence or a violation, and the final decision rests with the competent authority. If you have comprehensive insurance, check with your insurer, since glass coverage varies by policy.

A stone hitting your windshield on a highway or ring road is stressful and confusing: a loud crack, then a chip or "star" in the glass. The first questions that come to mind: is this a traffic accident, and who pays for the repair? This article offers general, practical guidance, not legal advice; regulations and procedures can change, and the official authorities are always the reference.

Is a windshield broken by gravel a traffic accident?

Generally, if the damage is linked to a specific vehicle while it was moving, the authorities may treat it as a traffic incident that should be reported and have liability determined. If the stone came from the road itself and can't be tied to a particular vehicle, there is usually no other party to claim from, and the fix goes through your comprehensive insurance, if you have it, or is at your own cost.

Factors that may point to the other driver being liable include:

Uncovered or unsecured load: such as a truck carrying gravel or sand without proper covering.
Careless driving: such as speeding along the road shoulder or dirt tracks and throwing stones at nearby cars.
Breaching vehicle or load requirements, as determined by the competent authority.

Whether the incident is classified as an accident, and how fault is split, is up to Najm or the traffic police depending on the case and the region.

Safety warning: never chase the vehicle

A note from CarBoost: don't follow the car or truck or try to force it to stop, especially on highways. A chase puts you, your passengers and other road users at real risk, and could leave you facing penalties for reckless driving.

If the break is large and blocks your view, slow down gradually, pull over somewhere safe away from traffic, and turn on your hazard lights.

Practical steps after the incident

Record the details if you can do so safely: plate number, vehicle type and color, location, time and direction of travel. Don't write while driving; ask a passenger or make a voice note after you stop.
Document with photos: photograph the damage from inside and outside, the location, and any gravel marks. Save the dash cam clip right away before loop recording overwrites it.
Contact the competent authority: through the Najm app, or by contacting Najm or the traffic police depending on your area, and explain that the damage was caused by gravel from a specific vehicle. Ask what they need from you in your case and how long you have to report it.
Follow up on the report: if the vehicle is identified and found liable, the claim proceeds through the approved procedures, and compensation may come through the liable vehicle's insurance.
Check your own insurance: if you have comprehensive cover, notify your insurer and ask about glass coverage and any deductible, and whether the damage needs to be assessed by an approved body such as Taqdeer centers.

When is the other party held liable?

The fact that the stone came from the direction of the car in front doesn't automatically make it liable. The authority usually looks at:

The source of the stone: did it fall from the load or vehicle body, or was it a stone on the road that a tire kicked up?
The circumstances: was the driver in their lane and at a legal speed?
Negligence or a violation: such as an uncovered load or speeding on dirt shoulders.

Summary: your position based on the evidence you have

Situation	Usual outlook	What to do
You have the plate number and dash cam footage showing gravel from an uncovered load	Better chance of establishing liability	Report to Najm or the traffic police and submit the footage and photos
You have the plate number but no recording	Harder to prove; depends on the authority's assessment	Document what you can and ask the authority about the procedure
You don't know the vehicle, or the stone came from the road	Usually no party to claim from	Check your comprehensive insurance or repair at your own cost
You have comprehensive insurance	Glass may be covered under the policy terms	Contact your insurer before the repair

Repair or replace the windshield?

Not every damage needs new glass:

A small chip or "star", roughly coin-sized, away from the driver's line of sight and the glass edges: can often be repaired by resin injection, and the sooner the better.
A long crack, or damage in the line of sight or near the edges: usually needs a windshield replacement.

Watch out in a Saudi summer: big temperature swings (such as blasting the AC on hot glass, or washing the car with cold water in the sun) can make a small crack spread quickly. Put clear tape over the chip temporarily to keep dust out until it's repaired.

If your car has a driver-assistance camera behind the windshield (such as lane departure warning or automatic braking), the camera may need calibration after replacement. To protect your glass from sand and dust, read our guide to protecting your windshield and headlights from sandblasting.

Tips to reduce the risk of flying gravel

Leave plenty of distance behind trucks and dump trucks, and avoid driving directly behind them.
Slow down in roadwork zones and on freshly paved roads.
Install a front dash cam; it's your strongest evidence if you need to report.
Keep your wipers in good shape; worn blades scratch and weaken the glass over time. Pick the right ones with our guide to the best wiper blades for Saudi weather.

FAQ

Does third-party insurance cover a windshield broken by gravel?

Your third-party insurance covers damage you cause to others, not damage to your own car. If another vehicle is found liable, compensation may come through its insurance, as decided by the competent authority.

Can I claim compensation without a plate number?

It's usually difficult because there's no identified party. In that case your comprehensive insurance, if you have it, is the most likely option, and it's best to ask Najm or the traffic police about your specific case.

Can I drive with a cracked windshield?

If the crack is small and outside your line of sight, you may be able to drive carefully until it's repaired. But damage that blocks your view is a safety risk and could lead to a violation or affect the periodic technical inspection. Get it fixed as soon as possible.

📲 Share this article with family and friends who drive between cities a lot!

🔧 CarBoost is here for you: Shop glass care products and dash cams in our glass care section, or book an inspection and service at the CarBoost center.