driving at night wearing sunglasses

[Romeo]

Is it legal to wear sunglasses while driving at night? I've wondered about this for a long time as I've had to drive along motorways in the dark with glaring headlights coming towards me on the opposite carriageway. I've refrained from wearing them as I suspect it probably is illegal, but I don't know for certain.

[Ethel]

Not specifically against the law, but it is mentioned in the highway code. Don't forget a legal requirement for driving is the ability to see. If you have an accident and you are found to have been wearing sunglasses at night, then you could be prosecuted under one of the banners.

I have a problem with glare and halos - scroll down this page to see an example of night vision glare:

http://www.millenniumlaser.com/html/faqs.html

Simply having lenses with anti-glare coating makes a huge difference to me, making night driving much more comfortable.

[China Doll]

My mum has meniers (sp) and I've seen her put her sunglasses on at night sometimes as oncoming lights can make her dizzy. (She doesn't really drive at night any more). She did get pulled over by the police once but I think they were just concerned she was a drunk driver as she was sitting a bit slumped too.

As a passenger (don't drive) I've often worn sunglasses for night time driving because some muppets round here have what looks like their fog lights on at all times so I know how you feel.

[ojread2]

China Doll - has your mum reported the fact she has Meniere's ot DVLA?

Ethel, where would one get 'night driving' glasses. I find that sometimes I cannot judge speed at night. I;ve had all sorts of tests on my sight with no outcome (all normal apparently) so I tend not to drive at night any more but it sounds as if a pair of these glasses may help :)

[China Doll]

I've no idea oj. Is she supposed to? Cause if she is I'll phone and ask her tonight.

You've got me all worried now!

[Ethel]

oj - if you don't need prescription glasses, any option will supply plain lenses with anti-glare coatings.

[kempie]

CD - "If you drive and you are diagnosed with M�ni�re�s disease, or you are experiencing the primary symptoms of vertigo and hearing loss, then you must inform the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) of your condition. The DVLA states that if you drive a car, or motorcycle, and you have recently been diagnosed with M�ni�re�s disease, you must cease driving. Driving will not be permitted again until you have satisfactory control of your symptoms. Your GP or ear, nose and throat specialist will have to confirm that your symptoms have improved and are under control...

The DVLA will send you a questionnaire to find out how your condition affects you. They will also ask permission to contact your GP, or ENT specialist, so that they can make a more detailed assessment of your physical ability to drive."

http://www.cks.library.nhs.uk/patient_informat ion_leaflet/menieres_disease

[China Doll]

Christ!

I don't know for sure that she has done that and she's been diagnosed for years.

Thanks so much kempie, I shall phone my mother dearest on exiting this building.

[ojread2]

Thanks Ethel, no prescription yet :)
Will go and find out about these tomorrow in town

China-Doll - as you know now yes, she should have told DVLA - sorry to worry you! Menieres is a progressive disease so really regualr checks are needed
HTH

oj