Here’s how driving in warm weather could mean a £5,000 fine – are you guilty?

DRIVERS are being warned that they face a fine of up to £5,000 for driving without sunglasses.

During the warmer months, being dazzled by bright sunlight could result in a loss of concentration and a hefty fine.

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With a heatwave on the way this weekend, it pays to listen to advice.

The Highway Code says drivers should “slow down and if necessary, stop” if they become dazzled by bright sunlight.

If a motorist chooses not to wear sunglasses, and breaks the Highway Code by not pulling over when dazzled by sunlight, the police could charge them with careless driving.

Driving without due care and attention carries a £100 on-the-spot fine.

You could also be hit with up to three penalty points on your licence.

If you decided to contest the charge in court and were convicted, you could face an unlimited fine, up to nine penalty points and even a court-imposed driving ban.

However, for the majority of motorists, the fine won’t exceed £5,000.

There’s also a penalty for wearing sunglasses that are too dark as they could also obscure your vision.

According to the AA, it’s illegal to wear the most heavily tinted sunglasses at any time while driving.

The AA said you should “be aware that your everyday sunglasses might not be suitable for driving”.

It’s also a good idea to keep a spare pair of sunglasses in your car so you’re never caught short.

The risk of dazzling sunlight isn’t the only thing to be aware of when driving in a heatwave.

In hot weather you should also keep your vehicle well ventilated to avoid drowsiness.

You should also be aware that the road surface could become soft, or if the dry spell is followed by rain it may become slippery.