Yes, you can put signs, stickers, and decals on your windshield in addition to stickers required by your state (e.g., mechanical inspection and emissions inspection stickers). Just make sure they are within regulations.
In Arizona, stickers and decals are fine as long as they are
- Displayed in a seven-inch square in the lower corner of the windshield farthest removed from the driver.
- Displayed in a five-inch square in the lower corner of the windshield nearest the driver.
But when it’s time to get rid of them, how do you remove them and not be left with unsightly residue?
Here are 8 easy ways to get the job done:
1. Adhesive remover
Adhesive remover (e.g., Goo Gone) is a popular choice, understandably because it is specifically designed for the job. Simply spray the product onto the sticker and properly soak it. Afterward, it can be easily scraped away with a scraper. Clean the spot using a soft cloth soaked in window cleaner.
2. Window cleaner
Or you can simply use the window cleaner for the job. Spray it on the sticker and let it soak for two minutes. Once the sticker is soft on the outside or slips when you touch it, it should be ready to come off. Alternatively, gently scrape the sticker out with a scraper.
3. Soapy water
Remove as much of the sticker as possible before getting rid of the residue with soapy water. For the best results, use warm/hot water with a little bit of dishwashing liquid. Mix well and apply using a wet rag several times until the adhesive is completely soaked. Afterward, you can remove the adhesive residue using your fingers, a rag, or a plastic scraper. Once you’ve removed all traces of the adhesive, clean your windshield with water and then pat it dry.
4. Rubbing alcohol
Rubbing alcohol or denatured alcohol can effectively remove stickers from your windshield. Dab the sticker with paper towels soaked in rubbing alcohol until the alcohol has soaked into the sticker. Scrape the sticker off once it’s soft, and then clean the spot with more rubbing alcohol.
5. Baking soda and cooking oil
This is an excellent choice, especially since it’s non-toxic—but not if you have tinted windshield glass since baking soda will damage the tint.
Mix some baking soda with half a cup of regular cooking oil and start dabbing the mixture on the sticker. Let it soak for several minutes and then peel off the sticker using a plastic scraper, a plastic card, or just your fingers.
6. Ice
Hold a pack of ice to the sticker for a few minutes to cool off the adhesive and make it easier to peel away. You can use a razor blade to remove the sticker, but only if the blade isn’t dull and you scrape at an angle.
7. WD-40
Remove as much of the sticker as possible before spraying WD-40 on the sticker remnants and residue. After a few minutes, wipe away the spray with a damp cloth.
If you prefer having stickers or decals on your windshield, be sure that they don’t compromise your view of the road (and therefore your safety and the safety of other motorists). Just as important, be sure to properly remove them when they’re no longer needed and to keep your windshield clean. Personalization should not exclude proper maintenance and safety.
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