Motorists heading on this weekend have been urged to stay aware of one rule that could result in a fine of up to £5,000. With temperature levels likely to soar to 25C in parts of the country on Saturday, experts have warned drivers of breaking this little-known rule.
Car repair finance experts at Bumper are urging motorists to ensure their eyewear is suitable for driving, as a minority of sunglasses — particularly those with a very dark tint or obstructive frames — could be considered unsafe under UK driving laws. If police deem a motorist’s sunglasses to be impairing their driving, it could be considered dangerous driving — an offence that carries a fine of up to £5,000, penalty points, and in extreme cases, a prison sentence.
A spokesperson from Bumper said: “Not all sunglasses are safe for driving, and wearing the wrong kind could land you in legal trouble.
“Sunglasses with overly dark tints can dramatically reduce visibility, especially in shaded areas, tunnels or when moving between light conditions — putting you and other road users at risk.”
Sunglasses sold in the UK are grouped into categories from 0 to 4 based on their tint. Most standard sunglasses fall into category two, which are generally safe for road use. However, category four sunglasses — which block 92 to 97 per cent of light — are deemed too dark for driving and are legally unsuitable.
The expert explained: “Wearing category four sunglasses behind the wheel is dangerous because they transmit very little light.
“Drivers need to be able to clearly see road signs, pedestrians, and changes in the road surface. Anything that compromises that is a risk.”
According to the experts, other types of eyewear to avoid while driving include small fashion frames that don’t adequately shield the eyes, yellow-tinted lenses that distort perception and glasses with large side arms that obstruct peripheral vision.
