Can You Get Pulled Over In Michigan For A Dirty Windshield?

I think car cleanliness is the easiest thing to slack on in life. While you try to make it a priority, especially in the wintertime when all that salt sticks to your car, it just kind of slips the mind. Maybe not even slip the mind, just a stop you don't want to always make.

I grew up in a rural community too, and a lot of people lived on dirt roads. The philosophy was, why wash it when it's going to get dirty again by the time I get home?

Can You Get Pulled Over In Michigan For A Dirty Windshield?

But can you get in trouble for the dirt and salt that sticks to your car?

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It depends, but yes.

Let's be clear, that philosophy is okay, to an extent.

The police won't care about the condition your car is in with dirt on doors, tires, or even the body. Where you can get yourself into trouble is the license plate, your windshield, windows, and the lights on your car.

Anything that possibly makes you less visible obstructs the driver's view, or won't help identify the vehicle, could get you in trouble with the law. You can read the extent of all of the laws Michigan has with vehicles here. 

As long as your views aren't obstructed (including your side mirrors) you should be clear. I have had a friend get pulled over in the past and get a warning, as his license plate wasn't visible.