Drivers urged to check sunglasses else risk £5,000 fines

Motorists have been urged to check their sunglasses are legal before driving this bank holiday weekend to avoid penalty points and a £5,000 fine.

The early May bank holiday is normally the first taste of real sunshine and the opportunity to jump in the car and head off for the long weekend.

Driving experts at Quotezone.co.uk have issued a warning to all UK motorists to ensure their sunglasses are categorised as legal, to deal with the bright sun rays.

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Rule 237 of the Highway Code states drivers should slow down or pull over if dazzled by the bright sunlight – so motorists should wear sunglasses to protect them whilst on the road.

However, drivers must also be aware certain sunglasses could be categorised as inappropriate depending on the tint level.

All sunglasses in the UK must be marked and labelled with a category number, which can help drivers determine if they’re safe for use behind the wheel.

Sunglasses are ranked from zero to four, which determines their strength and the time of day that they can be safely worn.

Most average sunglasses will be labelled in ‘category two’ – which have a slight tint and will transmit 18% – 43% of light. These glasses are therefore suitable for driving during the day.

Sunglasses which are ranked at ‘category four’ come with a very dark tint and transmit just 3% – 8% of light, so are inappropriate for driving. These sunglasses should also come with a label by law stating they are unsuitable for driving and road use.

Motorists must also ensure any 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 do not provide appropriate protection from the sun rays for drivers.

Driving with inappropriate eyewear could be detrimental to pedestrians and other road users as it could leave 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 reach up to 11 points on the licence, unlimited fines (£5,000 in Magistrate’s Court) as well as 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 when 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 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.

“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, make sure to slow down or pull over until it is safe to continue and don’t take the risk.

“It’s your responsibility to make sure your vision isn’t compromised, if you don’t protect your eyes properly from the sun and you have an accident, you could invalidate your car insurance.”

Quotezone.co.uk helps millions of people in the UK save millions of pounds every year on car insurance and personal finance products, for people living in Northern Ireland, CompareNI.com can help.