UK drivers face £100 fine for sunglasses mistake in cars

Most schools across the UK have now finished for the summer break, which means many families will be heading off for a well-deserved break.

But with foreign holiday prices rising to extortionate levels at this time of the year, a staycation is often a better way to cut costs and it means you get to avoid sitting through long flights and travel at your own convenience instead. But motorists taking to the road this summer need to be wary of an important rule. Drivers may not be aware that wearing sunglasses while behind the wheel can land you with a £100 fine if the lenses are too dark.

Highway Code Rule 97 says all drivers must have full control and clear vision of the road, but if sunglasses block out too much light it means visibility can be impaired.

The Code states that drivers shouldn’t use tinted glasses, lenses or visors if they restrict vision, and they shouldn’t be worn in conditions of poor visibility such as fog or rain.

It is illegal to wear Category 4 level sunglasses (which is the darkest shade possible) while driving in the UK, as these lenses only transmit between 3% and 8% of light so aren’t suitable for driving at any time.

The AA explains: “Your sunglasses need to meet the requirements set out in the Highway Code. They must not be so dark that they stop you from seeing clearly. They must not be tinted while you're driving at night or in otherwise poor visibility.

“They must not make it difficult for you to see traffic signals clearly. They must not have any scratches or external damage that makes it difficult for you to see.”

Driving without due care and attention, such as by wearing sunglasses that are too dark, carries a fixed penalty fine of £100, plus three penalty points. And if you’re involved in an accident while wearing unsuitable sunglasses, you may also be liable for prosecution which could result in up to nine penalty points and an unlimited fine.

Daniel McAfee, Head of Legal Operations at Lawhive and a UK lawyer, warned: “Not all sunglasses are appropriate for driving. Category 4 lenses, which block too much light, are illegal for road use in the UK. If visibility is impaired – particularly when driving through tunnels or shaded areas – the police can issue penalties for careless or dangerous driving.

“Highway Code: Rule 97 says drivers must have full control and clear vision of the road. This can result in a £100 fine, three points for careless driving and more if it leads to an accident.”

To avoid falling foul of the rules, opticians can advise on the appropriate tint for driving sunglasses and whether current glasses meet the legal requirements.