While you might think that weather conditions affecting your driving ability may be limited to the autumn or winter, what about the glare of driving in the blazing sun on a summer’s evening? Or the reflection of the sun off puddles on a wet road? Glare is often given as a reason accidents happen while on the road, so it may be a natural instinct to put on a pair of sunglasses to ease your view when behind the wheel – but what, if any, are the rules and regulations surrounding wearing shades in the driver’s seat? Scrap Car Comparison takes you through them all.
But first, if you’ve already been caught out by the sun and your car has seen much better days, then Scrap Car Comparison is here to help. We work with a nationwide network of scrap and salvage specialists, meaning we can always provide you with the very best price for your old car or van, no matter its condition. Better yet, with collection agents operating across 99% of the country, we’ll even come and pick it up from a convenient location absolutely free of charge.
What are the rules around wearing sunglasses to drive in?
While there are no specific rules surrounding sunglasses, the Highway Code states that you should slow down and stop, if necessary, when dazzled by the Sun – while not written, this leaves it open for interpretation that you should wear sunglasses otherwise you’re not taking the relevant actions to avoid being dazzled.
What you will need to be aware of, however, is what type of sunglasses you’re wearing. By law, all sunglasses are required to have their tint level clearly labelled, and it is recommended that you only use the lightest of tints when driving.
Can you wear sunglasses while driving?
While it is suggested that in bright sunlight you do use your sunglasses to protect you from the Sun’s rays, it’s important to ensure that you have the right type of lens for the conditions, and time of day, that you’re driving in. We’ve listed all of the types of sunglasses, and UK law states that all sunglasses sold must have their category clearly stated – you’ll notice that only Category 0 sunglasses can be used for night driving, whereas the darkest tinted glasses cannot be used at all when behind the wheel.
| Light Transmission | Category | Use | Limitations |
| 80%-100% (clear) | 0 | indoors / overcast day | none |
| 43%-80% (light tint) | 1 | low sunlight | not for night driving |
| 18%-43% (medium tint) | 2 | medium sunlight | not for night driving |
| 8%-18% (dark) | 3 | bright sunlight | not for night driving |
| 3%-8% (very dark) | 4 | exceptionally bright sunlight | not for day or night driving |
Why should I wear sunglasses to drive in?
Wearing sunglasses could protect you in the event of driving into low sun or when the sun is reflecting off of a wet road following a rain shower. If your eyes are straining from the glare, your ability to read the road ahead of you will be greatly reduced, and it could even distract you entirely from potential dangers ahead. As long as you’re using the correct type of glasses – i.e. dark enough to protect against the level of sun yet not too dark as to be counter-intuitive – then you should be able to have a much safer view of the road.
If your car has been severely damaged following a glare-related incident, then chances are you might want to think about getting rid of it for something a little newer – and perhaps invest in some new shades or even anti-glare strips for your windscreen. Whatever you want to do, the quickest and easiest way to make sure you get as much for your old car as possible is to use Scrap Car Comparison’s industry-leading service.
We’ll scour the market to make sure that you’re only receiving the very best price for your old car, no matter its condition or where you call home. We only deal with certified Authorised Treatment Facilities, meaning you can be safe in the knowledge your car will be disposed of and recycled in line with all legal requirements. We cover 99% of the country across our network, and as if that’s not enough, we’ll even be able to come and collect your car for free. Get started today by calling the team on 03333 44 99 50 or by using our instant quote generator to find out just how much your car could be worth.
