UK motorists could be hit with staggering fines when driving in the sunshine or at night.
According to the Highway Code, there are two rules that must be followed regarding sunglasses and visibility. And while many may think they are driving more safely by wearing the glasses, you could actually be breaking the law.
Experts at Your Red Car say drivers must consider the type of tint within sunglasses that are to be worn while behind the wheel. Nimmi Mistry, a professional services optician at Vision Direct, explains you should consider various factors when choosing a tint for sunglasses.
READ MORE: Drivers warned to never leave sunglasses in their cars
The Highway Code states as a driver or a motorcyclist; you must:
- Slow down, and if necessary, stop if you are dazzled by bright sunlight
- Do not use tinted glasses, lenses, or visors if they restrict your vision at night or in poor visibility
Not adhering to these rules can lead to a discretionary disqualification, an unlimited fine and three to nine points on your licence, and this comes under careless and inconsiderate driving.
Nimmi told the ECHO: "You need to consider the type of tint in your sunglasses, which can be fixed or variable. Fixed tints don’t change following exposure to UV light, but the opposite is correct if you have variable tints.
"When exposed to high levels of UV, the tint within the sunglasses darken but will return to its original state when this level drops. Car windscreens filter UV light, meaning your sunglasses tint may become too dark or light, so you should pick a fixed tint for driving.
"Choose brown or grey tints for your sunglasses, and this ensures that your perception of colour isn’t distorted while helping protect your eyes from potentially harmful UV rays and distracting glare."
All sunglasses should have a filter category number by law. The CE mark must meet the European Standard BS EN 1836: 2005 by law until January 2025.
From January 2025, the CE mark will no longer be recognised and will be replaced with a UKCA mark. The UKCA mark has been in production since January 2021.
The CE marking indicates complete protection against UVA and UVB rays. By law, all sunglasses should have a filter category number, so you can pick out a road-safe category two lenses by checking the frame or product description if buying online.
Liz Johnson, optometrist, and clinical director at Eyesite Opticians, suggests a tint with no more than 85% light absorption for daytime driving, while 57% is better for driving at night. Liz recommends talking to your eye care professional as they can advise you on the absorption of your sunglasses.
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