Motorists have been urged to check their sunglasses are legal before driving to avoid penalty points and a £5,000 fine. Driving experts have warned all UK motorists to ensure their sunglasses are categorised as legal to deal with the bright sun’s rays.
Rule 237 of the Highway Code states that drivers should slow down or pull over if dazzled by bright sunlight. Therefore, motorists should wear sunglasses to protect themselves while on the road.
However, drivers must also be aware specific sunglasses could be categorised as inappropriate depending on the tint level.
In the UK, all sunglasses must be marked and labelled with a category number, which can help drivers determine whether they’re safe for use behind the wheel.
Sunglasses are ranked from zero to four, determining their strength and the time of day they can be safely worn.
Most average sunglasses will be labelled in ‘category two’. These glasses have a slight tint and transmit 18%—43% of light. Therefore, they are suitable for driving during the day.
Sunglasses ranked in ‘category four’ have a very dark tint and transmit just 3%—8% of light, so they are inappropriate for driving. These sunglasses should also have a legal label stating they are unsuitable for driving and road use.
Motorists must also ensure sunglasses with wide side arms don’t block too much of their peripheral vision, or they will be unsuitable for driving.
Small fashion and yellow tinted glasses should also be avoided as they’re often designed as an accessory, so they do not provide appropriate protection from the sun rays for drivers.
Driving with inappropriate eyewear could be detrimental to pedestrians and other road users, leaving drivers unable to detect dangers on the road.
Motorists could face charges for dangerous driving if it falls far below the standard and expected skills of a competent and careful driver.
The penalties for this offence range from 11 points on the licence to unlimited fines (£5,000 in Magistrate’s Court) to five years in prison.
Greg Wilson, Founder and CEO of Quotezone.co.uk, said, “Carrying a spare pair of legal sunglasses in your glove box is essential during these brighter months—especially in the UK, where we don’t know when the sun will appear.
“Wearing the right pair of sunglasses will help keep yourself and other road users safe this summer. Inappropriate eyewear could put you at risk of fines, penalty points, or worse.
“Sunglasses are labelled in four categories to indicate whether they’re suitable for road use. The average pair of sunglasses is ‘category two’ and, therefore, appropriate for driving.
“However, darker sunglasses in ‘category four’, any small fashion glasses, yellow tinted glasses or a pair with large side arms can be deemed too dangerous to drive in.
“Any driver wearing inappropriate sunglasses could be subject to a dangerous driving charge – which potentially comes with hefty fines, penalty points and even prison time.
“If you are dazzled by the sunlight and it’s becoming too bright and dangerous to drive, slow down or pull over until it is safe to continue and don’t take the risk.
“It’s your responsibility to ensure your vision isn’t compromised. If you don’t protect your eyes properly from the sun and have an accident, you could invalidate your car insurance.”
Quotezone.co.uk helps millions in the UK save millions of pounds yearly on car insurance and personal finance products. For people living in Northern Ireland, CompareNI.com can help.
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