Drivers face eye-watering fine for breaking little-known sunglasses rule

Drivers in England face a £5,000 fine for breaking a little-known and lesser-known rule as the temperatures rise through the thermometer and hit 25C in a May heatwave. Motorists have been urged to check their sunglasses are legal before driving.

Driving experts at Quotezone.co.uk warn drivers must be aware certain sunglasses could be categorised as inappropriate depending on the tint level. Sunglasses which are ranked at 'category four' come with a very dark tint and transmit just three percent - eight percent of light, so are inappropriate for driving.

Greg Wilson, Founder and CEO of Quotezone.co.uk said: "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."