Drivers could be fined up to £2,500 for making simple eye mistakes behind the wheel

Steven Smith
·4-min read
Borrowing a car could set you back a small fortune in fines
You can drive without a MOT certificate if you are on your way to a test station -Credit:Chronicle


Drivers who make mistakes with their eyewear could be hit with a hefty £2,500 fine or even lose their licence.

It's really important to be able to see clearly when you're driving to keep everyone safe on the road. But did you know that some vision-related mistakes can cost drivers a lot of money?

The car insurance team at Compare the Market has made a list of penalties that drivers might get if they have impaired vision. This is to help people avoid getting a big fine - and even going to jail, reports Wales Online.

Drivers could be fined £1,000 for wearing tinted glasses or lenses at night

Highway Code: Rule 97

Penalty: Three points and a £1,000 - £2,500 fine.

Drivers need to think about what they wear, including sunglasses, to drive the car safely. Wearing sunglasses when it's not sunny can make it harder to see the road. This could lead to fines from £1,000 to £2,500 and you might even lose your licence.

If you have an accident because you can't see properly, you could go to jail for two years

Highway Code: Rule 92

Penalty: Two years in jail/unlimited fine and between three and 11 points

Drivers are warned to keep their glasses prescription and eye health up to date to avoid going to jail for dangerous driving. If you don't look after your eyes or wear your glasses, you could end up in jail for up to two years if you have an accident.

If you need glasses but don't wear them, you could be fined £1,000 or lose your licence

Highway Code: Rule 97

Penalty: Three points and a £1,000 fine

If you don't have a clear view of the road ahead, you could be fined between £1,000 and £2,500. It's really important for people who need glasses to wear them when they're driving to stay safe.

If you keep putting off getting your eyes tested, you could end up having to pay a big fine of £1,000 to £2,500

Highway Code: Rule 92

Penalty: Three points and a £1,000 fine or you might not be allowed to drive

Something as simple as not getting your eyes tested could mean you have to pay a huge £1,000 fine and you might not be allowed to drive. Drivers need to make sure they get their eyes tested regularly to make sure they can see clearly when they're driving.

Drivers can also be fined, or even go to prison, if they drive carelessly or without thinking about other people because they can't see properly. All drivers should be able to read a car number plate from 20 metres away.

If a driver needs glasses to do this, they must always wear glasses with the right prescription when they're driving.

If you dazzle other drivers with your headlights or brake lights, you could be fined an unlimited amount or you might not be allowed to drive

Highway Code: Rule 114

Penalty: Three to nine points and an unlimited fine

If you use your full-beam headlights when you don't need to, it could make it hard for other drivers to see and you could end up having to pay an unlimited fine. Drivers should only use their front or back fog lights when it's really hard to see and turn them off as soon as they can see better.

Motorists have been advised to follow a key piece of advice and to ditch a driving habit to keep their eyes in tip-top condition behind the wheel.

Brits have been warned against keeping their foot on the brake while stationary in traffic because it can dazzle drivers behind. Instead, they should pull up the handbrake. Drivers also need to look out for dazzling sunlight, which was blamed for a 37% rise in car crashes last year.

Julie Daniels, from the car insurance team at Compare the Market, said: "For drivers, maintaining good eyesight is an essential part of following the Highway Code and ensuring safety on the road. The recommended frequency for eye tests is once every two years, though more might be necessary if advised by a medical professional."

"Keep clear vision by wearing your glasses or contacts if needed while driving and consider keeping a spare pair of these in your car for emergencies. Maintaining your vision is the key when taking to the roads as this is an essential tool for the safety of you and other road users."

Go here for the latest live traffic and travel news updates from around Teesside

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