Sunglasses not only help to protect the eyes from dangerous UV rays, but they also help to improve visibility. Whether you’re driving in a rural area or a busy city freeway, what you can and cannot see makes all the difference in the way you drive.

Squinting and shielding from the sun aren’t the only concerns. Glare from a windshield is a major cause of traffic accidents around the world. While the windshield provides great protection from wind and debris, the curved glass can produce incredibly bright glares and reflections that cause more trouble than the bright sun in the sky.

A great pair of driving sunglasses can help reduce glare and other visibility issues. Shades block out particular colors in the light spectrum, making the road look clearer than ever before. Some sunglasses are even capable of manipulating your vision to ensure that everything looks crisp and clear.

That being said, not every pair of sunglasses are made the same. Cheap sunglasses made for style rather than function will do more harm than good. Even expensive designer shades aren’t guaranteed to improve your vision. Here are some of the best sunglasses for driving.

Things to Consider
Before going out and picking up the coolest looking sunglasses you can find, there are a few things to consider. If you plan on using these shades while driving, a normal pair of sunglasses just won’t do. There are a few different factors and design features to look out for. These features will improve vision and make the sunglasses suitable for driving.

Tint density
Whichever (safe!) colour lenses you opt for, tint density is another important consideration. Tint density is rated on a class scale of 0-4, and is the most important factor for determining how much light is able to reach the wearer’s eyes. Two similar pairs of sunglasses with grey lenses, for example, won’t block the same level of light should they have different density ratings.

By law, all sunglasses need to be marked with their applicable density number. The table below – sourced from the AA website – explains the uses each density class is suitable for:


Here you can see that 3-8% light transmission sunglasses (class 4) should never be worn behind the wheel, while class 0 are only really useful when worn on overcast days, or for night driving. Driving while wearing sunglasses with an incorrect tint density can reduce concentration, or cause drowsiness, increasing the risk of road accidents.

Color of the Lenses
While most don’t realize it, the color of the lenses can dramatically affect how you see certain colors. It can also affect how intense these colors appear and change the overall contrast of the road. While driving, the way colors appear is important. Not all colors are fit for driving, as road markers, signs, and traffic lights can appear different.

Generally, brighter colors such as reds and blues, aren’t a good idea for driving. They will alter the appearance of traffic lights, which could be hazardous. Neutral colors, such as blacks and browns, are the way to go. They don’t change how certain colors appear, making them a good fit. Other colors, such as yellows and oranges, may be a great choice if designed correctly. These colors can enhance contrast and make features on the road appear more detailed.

Gradient lenses are another thing to consider. Some sunglasses may have varying intensities of colors on different parts of the lens or multiple colors entirely. This can change how parts of the sightline are affected. With driving, this could be advantageous.

Polarized Lenses
One of the most important things to look for when finding a pair of sunglasses for driving is polarized lenses. Polarized lenses are specially treated to reduce glare and improve vision. They will reduce glare off of glass and wet surfaces. This helps to avoid eye strain and keeps the eyes protected at all times. Virtually any lens can be polarized regardless of their color or tint level. Most high-quality sunglasses are polarized, making them very accessible and easy to find.

Special Lens Coatings
Many manufacturers coat their lenses to provide addition benefits. These coatings can be beneficial to your vision and to the overall durability of the sunglasses.

In addition to being polarized, manufacturers may also have their own anti-glare coating. This will further reduce glare, making the sunglasses an even better fit for driving.

Anti-reflective coatings are another great thing to look for. They ensure that any reflections from the polished lenses aren’t irritating on the eyes. Reflections can be just as dangerous as glare, as they affect visibility. This coating cuts down on reflections to make wearing the shades incredibly comfortable. They also have the added benefit of making the lenses water and grease-proof.

All in all, not every pair of sunglasses are suited for driving. Driving sunglasses need to have a number of features to ensure that they improve vision rather than hinder it. With the right pair of shades, guys can hit the road with confidence. These sunglasses will make the road easier to watch and make any obstacles and details easier to see. They do this all while making you look cool in the process.

NEVER HIDE Driving Lenses
THE NEVER HIDE DRIVING SUNGLASSES are versatile and great for many uses, such as driving, boating, or casual wear. They have many shape that provides great coverage over the eyes.

The curved lenses will fit snuggly on a variety of face shapes and reduce light leakage. Made with a TR90 or acetate, the sunglasses are built to last. The lenses are polarized, which reduces glare and enhances sharp features. Available in many colors, guys can choose a pair that fits their style.

Many of the lenses feature a gradient color effect, which is not only stylish, but can also manipulate vision in multiple ways based on the colors. The simple and light build make them a great pair of shades for driving. They’ll improve vision without getting in the way.