Express Premium Banner Drivers warned they could be slapped with £5,000 fine for not having ‘spare pair’ in car_l
Motorists could potentially be hit in the pocket for not having the common item in their vehicle
Drivers could be hit in the pocket (Image: Getty)
Motorists could face a fine of up to £5,000 for not having a common item in their car.
With millions of people making extra journeys over the course of the August Bank Holiday, drivers have been advised to ensure their sunglasses are categorised as legal to use while behind the wheel.
BirminghamLive reports Rule 237 of the Highway Code states drivers should slow down or pull over if dazzled by the bright sunlight – meaning drivers should wear them while on the road on sunny days.
Not just any pair of sunglasses will do, however, with some of them being considered ‘inappropriate’ for use while driving.
Sunglasses are required to be marked and labelled with a category, which BirminghamLive reports can help drivers determine if they’re safe for use behind the wheel.
They are ranked from zero to four, which determines their strength and the time of day that they can be safely worn.
Greg Wilson, founder and CEO of Quotezone.co.uk, told BirminghamLive: “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.
Millions of extra journeys are set to be made over the Bank Holiday weekend (Image: Getty)
“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.”
