All drivers in the UK have been warned that they face a £ 5,000 fine and three points on their driving license for the wrong driving sunglasses. The warning comes before the heat wave this weekend.
Temperatures are expected to rise across the UK next week, reaching 33 degrees in London on Friday. Rising temperatures are likely to mean much more sun than usual.
As such, drivers are likely to wear a pair of shades. But few people realize that wearing the wrong pair can lead to a fine. This doesn’t mean you can’t or shouldn’t wear sunglasses, but if they interfere enough to be considered dangerous, it can get you in trouble.
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A car expert is currently issuing a warning. ClickMechanic’s Andrew Jervis said: “Many of us will welcome a few days of sunshine, but it could be a disaster for unprepared drivers. We all have a responsibility to drive carefully and carefully, and we must be vigilant about anything that may affect our ability to do so. Sun glare is often difficult to drive because it can affect the way we perceive road conditions, while an unexpected brief burst of light behind a cloud can really impair our ability to see. “
“It can be worse when the roads are wet after rain, as sunlight is reflected from the puddles and in our eyes. It is important to be aware of the adverse effects of sun glare while driving, whether it is wearing sunglasses, removing any shiny objects from the dashboard or lowered awnings. ”
AA cites glare as one of the main causes of road accidents and says “the right pair of sunglasses can prevent it.” However, deciding which sunglasses to wear is a difficult topic, as you may be penalized for the type you wear – and also if you choose not to wear them at all.
It is not a legal requirement to wear sunglasses in bright conditions, but you may still be considered by the police to be “driving without due care and attention” due to Rule 237 of the Road Code. The Hot Weather section of this law states that drivers must reduce speed or stop if they are “blinded by bright sunlight” – which would mean that drivers must wear glasses on a sunny day.
This violation will result in a fine of £ 100 and three points on your license. Drivers who dispute this and lose can see the £ 5,000 increase depending on the weight.
AA consulted with the Federation of Manufacturing Opticians for advice on what sunglasses drivers should wear to drive.
Two basic requirements for driving lenses are that your vision remains clear and enough light to be able to see properly should reach your eyes. The Automobile Association has warned that this means that you can also violate the Road Code by wearing sunglasses.
It adds: “Sunglasses sold for general use may be too dark to drive. In addition, fashion frames can blur your peripheral vision if they are not in the right style, so it is best to choose your shades carefully. AA sunglasses, which are suitable for driving, fall into two main categories: “fixed” and “variable” shade.
The fixed hue “stays in the same darkness, no matter how sunny or dark it is”, and the variable hue “changes the density of its hue when exposed to certain types of light”. All sunglasses must bear the CE mark and comply with the European standard BS EN 1836: 2005.
AA’s best tips on what sunglasses to wear while driving
- Have an in-depth eye examination every two years to find out if you need prescription lenses in sunglasses
- Discuss sun and glare protection options with your optician
- Consider specialized lenses or a driving tone
- Keep in mind that your daily sunglasses may not be suitable for driving.
- Always keep a spare pair of sunglasses for driving in the car.
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