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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
World
Kate Lally

Highway Code rule could see drivers fined on cold, sunny days

Motorists are being warned to keep sunglasses in their car, even when it's freezing cold outside.

It's not a legal requirement to wear sunglasses in bright conditions, but you could still be considered by police to be "driving without due care and attention" due to Rule 237 of the Highway Code. The "Hot Weather" section of this law states that drivers need to slow down or pull over if they are "dazzled by bright sunlight", which would indicate that drivers should wear glasses on a sunny day.

Although glare problems persist all year round, during the winter it's particularly noticeable because the sun is low in the sky. While it may be cold, this winter sun can pose a real hazard to drivers as the glare can temporarily blind drivers.

READ MORE: DVLA warns motorists to check details on driving licence

Across the UK, younger drivers (18-24s) are most affected by sun glare whilst driving with more than a third of young drivers finding driving in this weather very unsafe, according to ATS Euromaster.

Their study also found just 39.5% of drivers reduce their speed when there is sun glare. Not only is it important to slow down but failure to have proper control of a vehicle or full view of the road and traffic ahead could leave drivers with a huge fine and three points on their licence.

ATS Euromaster engineer Simon Waye told the ECHO: "If you don't want to tint your windows, or if the glare is still too much, you can try wearing a pair of sunglasses. Polarised lenses are a safer option over normal lenses as they are more effective at combating sun glare.

"An important thing to note is there are 2 essential requirements in lenses used for driving, your vision must remain clear, and sufficient light to let you see properly must get to your eyes."

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