To avoid both penalty points and a £5,000 fine, drivers are strongly advised to verify that their sunglasses are safe before driving.
Drivers Urged to Wear Properly Rated Sunglasses to Avoid Fines and Ensure Road Safety
Quotezone.co.uk warns UK drivers to carry legal sunglasses to protect against the sun’s rays, Birmingham Live reports.
According to Rule 237 of the Highway Code, drivers should slow down or pull over if they are dazzled by intense sunshine; hence, drivers should wear sunglasses to protect themselves when driving.
However, drivers should be mindful that certain sunglasses may be considered improper depending on their tint level.
All sunglasses in Britain must be marked and branded with a category number, which could help drivers in determining whether they are safe to use while driving.
Sunglasses are rated from zero to four, indicating their durability and the time of day when they can be worn safely.
Expert Warns Drivers About Fines for Wrong Sunglasses
Greg Wilson from Quotezone.co.uk stresses the importance of wearing the right category of sunglasses while driving, stating: “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.
“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.”
