Drivers may be hit with £5,000 fine for wearing sunglasses

Highway Code changes made for drivers in 2022

Drivers could be hit with a £5,000 fine for simply wearing sunglasses behind the wheel, according to experts.

Motorists could breach the Highway Code if they are spotted by police with the wrong type of sunglasses for the conditions.

Sunglasses usually range from zero to four based on the strength and time of day they can be worn.

The average pair of sunglasses are category two and offer users a marginal tint which is better for daytime driving.

However, category four sunglasses have a much darker tint which can dramatically reduce visibility after hours.

READ MORE Britons could invalidate their car insurance by driving during heatwave

Although there is not a specific rule in place covering sunglass use while driving, motorists are likely to breach the Highway Code. This could see road users punished for driving without due care or attention.

Rule 94 of the Code reads: “At night or in poor visibility, do not use tinted glasses, lenses or visors if they restrict your vision.”

Punishments are likely to start at an affordable £100 on-the-spot fine and only three penalty points.

However, motorists who contest the charge in court could be issued higher fees of up to £5,000 and even nine penalty points.

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Greg Wilson, founder and CEO of Quotezone urged drivers not to take a gamble with the rules during periods of hot weather. 

He explained: “We expect many motorists will be out on road trips so it’s important they are well prepared for the ever-changing British weather and not forget their sunnies.

“Often, with the bright sun comes a limited view of the roads and other cars – the glare can be very distracting, which is why it’s important to wear protective sunglasses which are the correct category for daytime driving.”

The Federation of Manufacturing Opticians told the AA that drivers should not wear category one, two or three sunglasses at night.

Meanwhile, category four sunglasses should never be used while driving as they only transmit between three and eight percent natural light.

Sunglasses with deep side arms can block peripheral vision and are also not recommended for the roads.

Experts have also warned that yellow-tinted lenses are also not recommended for night driving.

The AA added: “Remember, the onus is on you to have good vision.

“If you don’t have your vision corrected and protected from the sun, it could invalidate your car insurance if you’re involved in a crash.”

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