Motorists have been warned they could be slapped with an eye-watering £5,000 fine for making a major error this weekend. The hot weather is set to return over the coming days with temperatures set to soar as high as 24 celcius in London on Sunday. The dazzling skies will no doubt see road users grab for their sunglasses while behind the wheel, unaware that this could backfire due to a little-known rule.
Greg Wilson, founder and CEO of Quotezone, stressed some sunglasses could be considered “inappropriate for driving”. Drivers caught wearing the wrong eyeshade could be charged with dangerous driving, which carries penalties of up to £5,000 fine and 11 points depending on the circumstances.
Greg 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.”
Greg added: “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.”