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Difficulty: HardIllness and Eyesight

A motorist who requires corrective lenses to reach the legal driving eyesight standard is preparing to drive home late at night. They discover that their clear spectacles have been left behind, leaving only dark-tinted prescription sunglasses in the vehicle. Which course of action must the motorist take?

  1. A
    Drive without corrective lenses by travelling at a reduced speed on well-lit roads
  2. Arrange alternative transport and do not drive, as tinted lenses must not be worn in darknessAnswer
  3. C
    Wear the dark-tinted prescription sunglasses and use main beam headlights continuously to offset the tint
  4. D
    Proceed with the journey using the tinted sunglasses provided that their motor insurance policy includes night-time cover

Answer

The motorist must arrange alternative transport and not drive, because tinted lenses are prohibited at night and driving without required corrective lenses is unlawful.
Under the Highway Code, a driver must wear corrective lenses if they are needed to meet the legal eyesight standard (Rule 92). At the same time, Rule 94 strictly prohibits wearing tinted glasses, lenses, or visors at night or in poor visibility because they reduce light transmission and restrict vision. Because the driver cannot drive lawfully without corrective lenses and cannot lawfully wear tinted lenses at night, they must not drive and must find alternative transport.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Evaluate the legal requirements for corrective lenses while driving
Drivers who need corrective lenses to satisfy the minimum eyesight standard must wear them whenever driving; driving without them is an offence.
Highway Code Rule 92 requires drivers to meet the minimum eyesight standard at all times.
2
Evaluate the legal restrictions on tinted eyewear during darkness
Tinted glasses, lenses, or visors must not be used at night or in poor visibility if they restrict vision.
Highway Code Rule 94 explicitly prohibits tinted lenses at night because they severely diminish visual perception.
3
Synthesise the dual constraints to determine the only lawful course of action
Since the driver cannot legally or safely drive without corrective lenses, nor wear tinted lenses in darkness, driving is not permitted.
The driver must seek alternative transport rather than creating a severe road safety hazard.

Key Concept

Highway Code rules on corrective lenses and night-time restriction of tinted eyewear
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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Topics

Illness and Eyesight

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