The short answer
Many door, quarter and rear windows are tempered safety glass, which usually breaks into numerous small pieces after a strong impact. Some vehicles instead use laminated side glass made from glass layers bonded around an interlayer. Laminated side glazing may be selected for sound reduction, security, occupant retention or other vehicle-design goals, so window location alone is not a reliable identifier.
Look for the permanent marking near a corner of the pane. It should include an AS classification and other manufacturer or certification information required for automotive glazing; wording such as laminated or tempered may also appear. Compare that mark with the owner's information and parts data for the VIN. Do not use an online model-year list as the only check because equipment can vary by trim, production date and individual window. Construction changes how damage behaves: tempered glass generally shatters and must be replaced, while laminated glass may crack but remain held together by its interlayer. Even when laminated side glass stays in place, it still requires prompt inspection for visibility, retention and proper operation.
