UK Drivers Urged to Ensure Sunglasses Are Legal Amid Heatwave

As the May and June heatwaves arrive, motorists in the UK have been cautioned to verify the legality of their sunglasses, as wearing inappropriate eyewear while driving could lead to penalties, including fines, penalty points, or even imprisonment.

Rule 237 of the Highway Code advises drivers to slow down or pull over if dazzled by bright sunlight, underscoring the importance of suitable eyewear to protect both themselves and other road users.

All sunglasses in the UK are required to be marked with a category number, ranging from zero to four, indicating their suitability for driving. Sunglasses classified as 'category two' with a slight tint, transmitting 18% - 43% of light, are deemed appropriate for driving during the day. However, sunglasses labelled as 'category four', with a very dark tint transmitting just 3% - 8% of light, are unsuitable for driving and should come with a label indicating their inappropriateness for road use.

Wearing inappropriate sunglasses while driving can result in severe consequences, including fines, penalty points on the license, and even imprisonment. Drivers are cautioned against wearing sunglasses categorized as 'category four', as well as small fashion glasses, yellow-tinted glasses, or those with large side arms, all of which can compromise vision and safety on the road.

Motorists are reminded of their responsibility to ensure their vision isn't compromised while driving, especially during bright sunlight. If dazzled by sunlight, drivers are advised to slow down or pull over until conditions improve, avoiding the risk of accidents. Carrying a spare pair of legal sunglasses in the glove box is recommended to ensure optimal visibility and compliance with regulations.

Key Takeaways

1. All sunglasses in the UK must be marked with a category number indicating their suitability for driving, ranging from zero to four.
2. Sunglasses labelled as 'category two' with a slight tint are appropriate for driving during the day, while 'category four' sunglasses with a very dark tint are unsuitable for driving.
3. Wearing inappropriate sunglasses, such as 'category four' or fashion glasses, while driving can lead to fines, penalty points, or even imprisonment, highlighting the importance of compliance with regulations for road safety.
4. Motorists are advised to ensure their vision isn't compromised while driving during bright sunlight, with safety measures including slowing down or pulling over if dazzled by sunlight and carrying spare legal sunglasses in the glove box.