Why wearing sunglasses driving could leave you with a BIG fine
It's important to know
Last updated 27th Jun 2018
Wearing sunglasses when you're driving can be very important to stop the glare of the sun, however wearing certain sunglasses could land you with a hefty fine!
According to the Highway Code you must slow down or pull over if you’re dazzled by bright sunlight, and it is actually illegal to wear some types of sunglasses while driving.
In fact, if you're found wearing the wrong type of sunglasses, then drivers could end up with a fine of up to £2,500.
There are two requirements for sunglassses to be used for driving:
1 – Vision must remain clear
2 - Sufficient light must be let through so you can see properly
There are two types of sunglasses that are sold for driving, 'fixed' and 'variable' tint.
Fixed tint will remain the same darkness regardless of what the lighting conditions are like. Meanwhile, variable tint glasses, also known as photochromic lenses, are those that change their tint density when they are exposed to certain lighting conditions. According to the AA, "Lenses that only react to UV light are not suitable for driving because car windscreens filter out UV.
"For driving you need to look for lenses designed to react to visible light as well as to UV to ensure that they will adapt to the varying light conditions when driving."
Whilst most sunglassses will allow between 18% and 43% of the light through and are suitable for driving, those which filter between 3% and 8% of the light are used for exceptionally bright sunlight and are unsuitable for using behind the wheel.
The AA's website says, “Filter category 4 lenses only transmit between 3% and 8% of light and are not suitable for driving at any time. Sunglasses with these lenses should, by law, be labelled ‘Not suitable for driving and road use’.”