British drivers have been warned they could be penalised with a £100 fine for wearing the wrong type of sunglasses during a blistering heatwave expected to hit the UK from Tuesday, with temperatures potentially reaching 37°C.
Highway Code Rules on Sunglasses
According to the Highway Code, drivers must not wear tinted glasses, lenses, or visors if they restrict vision. This is particularly problematic at night but can also catch out road users during periods of poor visibility. Although wearing sunglasses is not outright banned, motorists must ensure their eyewear complies with specific guidelines.
Keith Hawes, Director of Nationwide Vehicle Contracts, stated: “Sunglasses can reduce sun glare while driving, but drivers must be wary as they can make LCD screens such as GPS and dashboards appear black or dim, resulting in a lack of attention while driving.”
Tint Levels and Penalties
Stephensons solicitors previously noted: “Opticians should be able to advise on the correct percentage of tint for driving. Driving without due care and attention carries a fixed penalty of £100 and 3 penalty points.” Sunglasses that transmit only 3% to 8% of light are deemed too dark for road use, while those with less than 75% light transmission should not be worn at night.
The AA warned: “Sunglasses sold for general use can be too dark for driving in. Plus, fashion frames could obscure your peripheral vision if they aren't the right style, so it's best to choose your shades carefully.”
Severe Cases Could Lead to Hefty Fines
Experts at Quotezone cautioned that in severe cases, wearing inappropriate sunglasses could result in a charge of “dangerous driving,” which could lead to a £5,000 fine and penalty points if contested in court. Greg Wilson, CEO of Quotezone, explained: “Sunglasses are labelled in four categories to show if they’re suitable for road use. The average pair of sunnies are ‘category two’ and are 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.”
As the UK braces for the heatwave, drivers are urged to check their sunglasses' category and ensure they are safe for driving to avoid fines and potential accidents.
