DRIVERS have been warned that getting behind the wheel in bright or dark conditions could cost them an unlimited fine.
Many motorists think they are driving more safely by wearing sunglasses, but they could actually be breaking the law.
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Experts at Your Red Car say drivers must consider the type of tint in their sunglasses before getting behind the wheel.
The Highway Code states that drivers must: “Slow down, and if necessary stop if you are dazzled by bring sunlight.
“Do not use tinted glasses, lenses or visors if they restrict your vision at night or in poor visibility.”
Not adhering to these rules can lead to a discretionary disqualification, an unlimited fine and three to nine points on your licence – and it comes under careless and inconsiderate driving, The Liverpool Echo reports.
Nimmi Mistry, a professional services optician at Vision Direct, told the Liverpool Echo: “You need to consider the type of tint in your sunglasses, which can be fixed or variable.
“Fixed tints don’t change following exposure to UV light, but the opposite is correct if you have variable tints.
“When exposed to high levels of UV, the tint within the sunglasses darken but will return to its original state when this level drops.
“Car windscreens filter UV light, meaning your sunglasses tint may become too dark or light, so you should pick a fixed tint for driving.
“Choose brown or grey tints for your sunglasses, and this ensures that your perception of colour isn’t distorted while helping protect your eyes from potentially harmful UV rays and distracting glare.”
All sunglasses should have a filter category number by law and the CE mark, which means that they meet the European Standard BS EN 1836: 2005 by law until January 2025.
The CE marking indicates complete protection against UVA and UVB rays.
According to experts, drivers should wear glasses with a tint with no more than 85% light absorption for daytime driving.
This comes after drivers were blown away after discovering a £1 hack that leaves your car interior sparkling – and it’s so easy.
Plus, motorists who are unaware of seven little-known driving laws could end up facing huge penalties this summer.
