Sunglasses and Driving: What You Need to Know
UK drivers are being urged to check their sunglasses amid warnings that some lenses could leave motorists unknowingly on the wrong side of the law, and if involved in an accident as a result, they could face serious legal issues.
The RAC highlights that sunglasses are useful for cutting glare in bright weather, but the darkest styles can reduce vision too much for safe driving. The key measure is Visible Light Transmission (VLT) – how much daylight the lens lets through.
Lenses at the very top end of the tint scale, often labelled category 4 on the packaging, allow in only a tiny amount of light, which can make it harder to judge hazards, spot other road users and react in time. The motoring organisation also cautions that some tinted lenses can become a problem when light levels suddenly drop, for example, during heavy rain or an unexpected storm, leaving drivers struggling to see clearly.
Legal and Highway Code Implications
The RAC points to Section 96 of the Road Traffic Act 1988, which makes it illegal to drive if your eyesight doesn't meet the legal standard. If your vision is impaired – including by overly dark sunglasses – you could face penalties such as a fine and three points.
There's also Highway Code guidance. Rule 94 advises motorists not to use tinted glasses, lenses or visors at night, and to take care in poor visibility if eyewear restricts what drivers can see. In practice, if sunglasses affect your ability to see hazards or road users, it could be viewed as careless driving – and in serious circumstances, dangerous driving.
Choosing the Right Sunglasses for Driving
According to the RAC, category 3 sunglasses are generally the safest choice for daytime driving because they offer strong sun protection without being excessively dark. The RAC adds: "Category two, although not as dark, are also considered a good option for daytime driving, providing a good balance between glare protection and visibility."
However, the RAC warns that even these should be avoided in low-light conditions and at night. Category 1 lenses are lighter, legal for driving in the day, but provide limited glare protection.
Additional Advice from the AA
The AA advises that all sunglasses should carry the CE mark and meet the European Standard BS EN 1836:2005. The AA also recommends a good quality anti-reflection coating and a hard coating to protect lenses from scratches, and notes that sunglasses with deep side arms can block peripheral vision and are not recommended for driving.
If you're involved in a crash and unsuitable eyewear is considered a contributing factor, the AA notes you could face prosecution.
Highway Code Requirements for Sunglasses
The Highway Code requires that sunglasses for driving must not have scratches or external damage that makes it difficult to see, must not be tinted for night or poor visibility, must not be so dark as to prevent seeing clearly, and must not make it difficult to see traffic signals clearly.