Motorists warned of £2,500 fine for driving in snow without sunglasses

James Rodger & Sally McLean

7 January 2025 at 5:38 am·2-min read

Smiling woman wearing sunglasses while driving car — -Credit:Getty

Scotland has been hit with yet more alerts for snow and ice and motorists are being warned of a period of potentially hazardous driving conditions as a result.

Driving safely in these adverse conditions is paramount with advice being given on when to brake and how to deal with skidding on ice. But there is a little known rule which could help your stay safe on your journey and flouting it could land you with a fine for careless driving.

Glare from the snow can severely impact motorist's vision when low winter sun reflects off the white surface. And drivers are being told to make sure to wear sunglasses in these instances, reports Birmingham Live.

Failure to wear your sunglasses could result in a £2,500 fine because being unable to see the road and other road users clearly can be classed as careless driving, according to motor experts.

Mike Thompson, motoring expert and COO at Leasing Options, explained: "Drivers can even be fined for not wearing sunglasses if you continue driving and can’t see because of the glare. This is considered careless driving, so you need to protect yourself from the sun or pull over, otherwise you could be fined up to £2,500."

Another motoring expert added: "Careless driving is against the Road Traffic Act 1988, which requires drivers to operate their vehicles safely and responsibly. Snow glare can severely reduce visibility, making it harder to see other vehicles, pedestrians, or road hazards.

"Keeping a pair of sunglasses in your car can help prevent these risks, keeping you safe and avoiding costly fines or penalties."

Speaking on driving in the wintery weather, experts at Euro Car Parts said: “Winter storms can be a challenging time for drivers, as weather conditions vary rapidly.

“The most important thing for motorists to remember is to drive safely and slowly. Giving yourself extra time and planning journeys ahead will mean that you can avoid unnecessary risks by rushing to your destination. Remember that if the weather is particularly bad, then it is always best to avoid driving until it clears up.”

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Motorists warned of £2,500 fine for driving in snow without sunglasses

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