Motorists could be slapped with a costly £1,000 fine and penalty points on their driving licence by breaking a simple Highway Code rule, according to experts.
Driving laws state motorists must be able to read a car number plate from 20 metres with those that fail needing to wear glasses.
However, specialists at Scrap Car Comparison warn that an “alarming number” of individuals don’t wear their glasses while driving despite having a prescription.
This is a direct violation of Rule 92 of the Highway Code which could land road users in hot water in the event of a collision.
The policy states: “If you need to wear glasses (or contact lenses) to do this, you MUST wear them at all times while driving. The police have the power to require a driver to undertake an eyesight test.”
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David Kottuan, Operations Manager at Scrap Car Comparison warned motorists not wearing glasses could prove to be a “costly mistake”.
He said: “We’re all familiar with the rush to get out of the door and on your way to work or running errands, and picking up your glasses on the way out may slip your mind.
“While going back in the house to get them may not seem like a priority, it could prove to be a costly mistake if you risk it.
“While it does feel extreme to be penalised for not wearing our prescription glasses, poor vision can result in slower reaction times and greater chances of collision if you don’t happen to see a coming car, or even cyclists, motorcycles or pedestrians in the road.”
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Motorists caught out are likely to be issued a £1,000 fine and up to three points on their licence for “driving with uncorrected defective eyesight”.
However, in some extreme circumstances where motorists have been injured or killed, road users will be issued a “dangerous driving” charge.
This could see the punishment escalated to a driving ban, unlimited fine or possibly a custodial sentence.
Mr Kottuan claimed road users could try and keep a spare pair of glasses in their vehicle at all times to make sure they are always prepared.
He added: “Keeping yourself and other drivers safe on the roads, as well as avoiding any worry of points or fines is paramount.
“This may mean having to keep a pair of prescription glasses in the car or considering wearing contact lenses so that you’re not caught short, but it is a small price to pay if it helps to improve your driving, keep road users safe and avoid any issues with the law!”
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