Drivers who require glasses or contact lenses to drive could face fines of up to £1,000 and three penalty points if they fail to follow a key Highway Code rule. Many drivers may not realise that forgetting or choosing not to wear their corrective eyewear is considered a serious offence, with potential legal and financial consequences. Experts warn that failing to wear prescription glasses or contact lenses while driving is not just a legal violation, but also a significant safety risk. Poor vision can slow reaction times, reduce awareness of hazards, and impair judgement of distances and speeds, making roads more dangerous for all users. With recent studies showing that a large number of drivers do not wear their glasses every time they drive, authorities are urging motorists to take this rule seriously to avoid penalties and ensure safer driving conditions.
Highway Code Rules on Vision for Drivers
The Highway Code states that all drivers must meet the legal eyesight standard, which requires them to be able to read a car number plate from 20 metres away, with or without corrective lenses. If an individual needs glasses or contact lenses to meet this standard, they are legally required to wear them every time they drive.
However, studies have shown that many drivers ignore this rule. A 2021 survey revealed that less than half of drivers who need glasses wear them consistently while driving, significantly increasing the risk of accidents.
Experts from Motor Match have stressed the importance of following the rule, stating:
“A significant number of drivers may underestimate just how vital it is to wear their prescription glasses when driving. The Highway Code exists for the safety of everyone on the road, and clear vision is, of course, fundamental to safe driving.”
Penalties for Driving Without Corrective Lenses
If a driver is caught driving without their required glasses or contact lenses, they could face:
- A fine of up to £1,000
- Three penalty points on their licence
- Potential legal proceedings in court
In more severe cases, where poor vision contributes to a road accident, drivers could even face dangerous driving charges, which carry harsher penalties, including higher fines or driving bans.
Winter Driving and Increased Risks
Experts also warn that failing to wear corrective eyewear is even more dangerous in winter months, when poor weather conditions, reduced daylight, and icy roads make visibility more challenging.
A spokesperson for Motor Match advised:
“As the chill of winter sets in, drivers are being urged to stay extra vigilant. The combination of harsh weather, dwindling daylight, and treacherous roads means that top-notch reaction times and crystal-clear vision are crucial.”
Even something as simple as switching to non-prescription sunglasses while driving on bright winter days could impair vision and put other road users at risk.
Regular Eye Tests Are Essential
To ensure they meet the legal vision requirements, motorists are encouraged to have regular eye tests, with opticians recommending checks every two years—or sooner if there is a noticeable decline in eyesight.
“Wearing your glasses ensures you can fully see the road and any hazards, maximising safety for everyone. Poor vision while driving not only makes it harder to see what’s ahead, but also affects your judgement of distances and speeds, which could prove catastrophic in an emergency.”
For drivers who require glasses but have not updated their prescription, the risks of poor vision behind the wheel could be just as dangerous as not wearing corrective lenses at all.
What Drivers Should Do to Avoid Penalties
- Always wear prescription glasses or contact lenses when driving if required.
- Keep a spare pair of glasses in the car in case of emergencies.
- Ensure sunglasses used while driving are prescription lenses if corrective eyewear is required.
- Schedule regular eye tests to ensure eyesight remains within legal driving standards.
Failing to comply with this simple rule could not only result in a fine and points on your licence, but also put your safety and the safety of others at serious risk.
