Drivers told to keep important item in glove box or risk £5,000 fine
Motorists are being cautioned that failing to keep the correct eyewear in their vehicle could result in points on their licence and fines up to £5,000. They are being urged to always have a pair of decent sunglasses in the glove box.
The Highway Code, under rule 237, mandates road users to take precautions during sunny periods to avoid getting caught out. If you neglect to do so and are found driving carelessly, you could be hit with an immediate £100 fine and three points on your licence.
Challenging this in court could lead to a total fine of up to £5,000 and a driving ban. Bearing this in mind, driving experts at Quotezone.co.uk have issued a warning to all UK drivers to ensure their sunglasses meet legal standards for dealing with bright sunlight.
All sunglasses sold in the UK must be marked and labelled with a category number, which can help drivers determine if they're safe for use while driving. Sunglasses are ranked from zero to four, indicating their strength and the time of day they can be safely worn, , reports Lancs Live.
Greg Wilson, founder and CEO of Quotezone.co.uk, explained: "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."
Rule 237 of the Highway Code reads: "If you are dazzled by bright sunlight, slow down and if necessary, stop."
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