Drivers Warned of £100 Fine for Sunglasses Violation During Heatwave
As the UK braces for an amber heatwave warning from the Met Office, drivers have been cautioned that wearing the wrong sunglasses could result in a £100 fine. The warning comes as temperatures soar across Birmingham and the rest of the country from Monday.
The Highway Code explicitly states that drivers should not wear tinted glasses, lenses, or visors if they restrict vision. This regulation is designed to ensure that motorists maintain full visibility and are not distracted by impaired sight.
Expert Advice on Sunglasses and Driving Safety
Keith Hawes, Director of Nationwide Vehicle Contracts, explained: “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.” This highlights the dual nature of sunglasses: while they protect from glare, they can also obscure essential dashboard information.
Stephensons solicitors previously stated: “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.” This underscores the legal consequences of improper eyewear.
AA and Quotezone Share Additional Warnings
The AA has previously 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.” This advice emphasizes the importance of selecting sunglasses specifically designed for driving.
Greg Wilson, CEO of Quotezone, added: “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.”
Highway Code Rule 237 and Potential Penalties
According to Rule 237 of the Highway Code, drivers should slow down or pull over if they become “dazzled by bright sunlight.” This means that while it is not a legal requirement to wear sunglasses in bright conditions, failing to take appropriate action when blinded by the sun could constitute a driving offence. In particularly serious cases, police can take the matter to court, where fines could rise to £5,000.
Drivers are urged to check the category of their sunglasses before setting out and to consider purchasing driving-specific eyewear to avoid penalties and ensure safety on the roads.
