Low winter sun: how to drive safely when you are dazzled
In winter, the sun sits low in the sky for much of the day, right at eye level during the morning and evening commute. Combined with a wet road reflecting the light and a windscreen streaked with salt, it can leave you effectively driving blind for a few seconds at a time.
This guide covers what the Highway Code says, how to reduce glare and what to do if you are suddenly dazzled.
Last updated 9 November 2026. Rules come from the Highway Code on GOV.UK.
Key takeaways
- The Highway Code says you should slow down, and if necessary stop, if you are dazzled by bright sunlight (Rule 93).
- Being dazzled is not a defence. If you hit someone because you could not see, you could be prosecuted for careless driving.
- A clean windscreen inside and out makes a big difference to glare.
- Keep sunglasses in the car and use the sun visor, including on the side window.
- Be extra careful of pedestrians and cyclists, who may be hidden in the glare or unable to see you.
In this guide
- Why low sun is so dangerous
- What the Highway Code says
- How to reduce glare
- What to do if you are suddenly dazzled
- Plan around the sun
- Frequently asked questions
- Sources and further reading
Why low sun is so dangerous
From October to February, the sun is low enough to shine straight into drivers’ eyes during the morning and evening rush hours. Low sun:
- dazzles you directly, making it hard to see brake lights, traffic signals and people
- reflects off wet roads, which makes the glare worse
- shows up every smear and scratch on your windscreen, scattering the light
- hides pedestrians and cyclists who are between you and the sun
- dazzles other road users, who may not see you coming
What the Highway Code says
Rule 93 says to slow down, and if necessary stop, if you are dazzled by bright sunlight. There is no specific offence of driving in low sun, but you are still responsible for driving safely. If you crash because you could not see, the police could charge you with careless driving, which carries three to nine points and a fine.
How to reduce glare
- Clean your windscreen inside and out. The inside builds up a greasy film that scatters light. Use glass cleaner and a microfibre cloth, then a dry cloth.
- Top up your screenwash with a winter-strength mix so you can clear salt spray on the move.
- Replace worn wiper blades. Smears make glare far worse. See when to change your wiper blades.
- Keep a pair of sunglasses in the car. Polarised lenses cut reflected glare. Take them off when you go into shade or a tunnel.
- Use your sun visor, and swing it to the side window for low sun on bends.
- Keep the dashboard clear. Papers and objects on the dashboard reflect onto the windscreen.
- Get windscreen chips repaired. They scatter light and can grow in cold weather. See our guide to windscreen chip and crack repair.
What to do if you are suddenly dazzled
- Ease off the accelerator straight away.
- Keep the car straight and keep to your lane.
- Look slightly away from the sun, at the road edge or lane markings.
- Increase your gap to the car in front.
- Stop if you need to, somewhere safe, if you genuinely cannot see.
If the sun is behind you, remember that oncoming drivers may be dazzled and may not see you. Drive defensively and consider using dipped headlights so you are more visible.
Plan around the sun
If your commute has a stretch that faces straight into the rising or setting sun, it may be worth leaving a little earlier or later, or using a different route on bright days. Take extra care at junctions and crossings where the sun is behind traffic lights or pedestrians.
Frequently asked questions
Is it illegal to drive into the sun?
No, but you must drive at a speed that lets you stop within the distance you can see to be clear. If glare reduces that distance, slow down.
Can sunglasses be too dark for driving?
Yes. Very dark lenses are not suitable for driving in poor light, and some categories are not suitable for driving at all. Check the label, and never wear sunglasses at night.
Should I use headlights in bright sun?
Dipped headlights can make you more visible to oncoming drivers who are dazzled. Many modern cars have daytime running lights, but these may not light up the rear of the car.