Did you know that dazzling sunlight is the cause of one in six accidents that happen on the road? Strong sunlight, reflections, and glares compromise the safety of the driver and other traffic participants. If you plan to drive in sunny and bright conditions, consider getting the best sunglasses for driving on the market.
It is not easy to pick a suitable model since there are hundreds of them available. The crucial thing to note is that they meet light transmission and other specified standards. You want to maintain optimal vision clarity while maintaining your own and everyone else’s safety.
We gathered six top picks in our reviews of sunglasses for driving. Each description mentions the crucial features and things to know about these items. Our buying guide will discover more details about choosing sunglasses to wear behind the wheel. Once you have all the information, it will be easy to find a unit that meets your preferences.
Table of Contents
Reviews of Best Sunglasses for Driving
1. Maui Jim Peahi Polarized Matte Black Wrap Frame Sunglasses
The biggest advantage of Maui Jim Peahi Wrap Sunglasses is that they utilize the PolarizedPlus2 technology. That ensures the lenses are anti-reflective to block glares and reflections, polarized, and waterproof. The manufacturer used high-quality glass when designing the lens and durable material from the frame. You can choose between five color options, and some might be a better fit for drivers than others.
The product will feature strong sunlight protection and support the optimal vision. The injected nylon contributes to the frame’s durability, but also makes the glasses feel a bit heavy. Since this is a premium model, you can rest assured they will last for years. Due to the specific design, they are suitable for both male and female drivers.
The lens width is 65 millimeters, which will ensure you look classy while wearing the glasses. The blue mirror coating will help in distinguishing the colors while you are on the road.
2. RIVBOS Polarized Driving Sunglasses for Men & Women
RIVBOS designed affordable driving sunglasses with a budget-friendly price tag. You can choose between no less than 16 models, with some of them suitable for males and others for females. The frame is virtually unbreakable, and it is fairly light. That means it won’t feel heavy while you are wearing sunglasses.
Lens width is set at 64mm, and the length of each arm is 140 millimeters. That should secure a universal fit regardless of the user wearing it. The manufacturer used polycarbonate as the preferred material for lenses. They feature mirror coating and polarization, as well as total UV protection.
The scratch resistance is among the features of these glasses, but it is not perfect. Harsh drops and similar accidents could cause scratches, but if you employ a bit of care, everything should be fine. You will receive a case for carrying the glasses, as well as a cleaning cloth.
3. Ray-Ban Chromance Mirrored Rectangular Sunglasses
The polarized iridium chromance mirror lenses are the best part of these rectangular sunglasses. The lenses were treated with six layers of anti-reflection compounds. Thanks to that, you reduce glare and reflections efficiently, which is imperative for driving. The manufacturer applies a “four P” equation – pigments to promote color intensity, polar filters, push back treatment to resist stains, and multiple layers to ensure vision clarity.
The product was designed in Italy by the famous Ray-Ban brand. If you want premium quality sunglasses from a reputable manufacturer, you won’t go wrong with this model. It is interesting that they went with a plastic frame. However, the plastic is incredibly durable and resistant to damage, which will extend the item’s longevity.
The sunglasses will maximize contrast to ensure you see vivid contours and textures while driving. You will receive a convenient case to pack them and carry around when not behind the wheel. Users can pick between three different mirrors, depending on their taste.
4. Oakley Men’s Flak 2.0 XL Rectangular Sunglasses
If you are looking for US-made premium quality sunglasses, Flak 2.0 by Oakley will exceed your expectations. These sunglasses are rectangular and come in a large size, which makes them suitable for men. They will secure 100% UV protection to keep your eyes safe from the sunlight. That will also ensure that you have an optimal view of the road at all times.
The frame is stress-resistant, which means that it won’t be easy to break it. Oakley added thermoplastic to strengthen the frame and improve its durability. The PRIZM lens technology has the goal of securing vivid colors and optimal vision at all conditions. The light transmission rating of these glasses is set at 12%.
It is crucial to pinpoint that not all models in this series are polarized. It depends on the color you pick, but the good news is that Flak 2.0 is available in 30 different designs.
5. Sinuoda Polarized Driving Men’s Sunglasses
If you don’t care about the brand, but want sunglasses that perform well, Sinuoda is a manufacturer that offers budget-friendly products in various designs. Both men and women will find suitable models, and you can never make a mistake with the classic black option.
These are affordable sunglasses, and they provide plenty of bang for the buck. However, their appearance might not seem that stylish, although that depends on your preference and the model you select.
The item is lightweight, and it won’t feel heavy in your hand or on your head. UV protection is impressive, and these sunglasses are suitable for outdoor use. The lenses are polarized to reduce glares and reflections. The anti-slip design and single-piece nose pads will ensure the product is comfortable to wear. The sunglasses are easy to clean and extremely resistant to damage. You will receive a box to carry the item, as well as a cleaning cloth and a mini-screwdriver.
6. ATTCL Men’s Driving Polarized Sunglasses
Once you take the sunglasses in your hand, you will realize how lightweight they are. The manufacturer used a combination of aluminum and magnesium when designing the frame. The result is a light and durable product that can serve well for a long time.
As for the lenses, they are polarized to ensure optimal UV protection. The item will block UVA & UVB rays, as well as glares and reflections. Since the sunglasses are able to restore true colors, you will enjoy wearing them while driving.
The product looks stylish, and it can contribute to any men’s appearance regardless of their style. The classic black color is always modern and extremely versatile, which makes this product a great choice whether you are behind the wheel or not. The lens coating feels a bit thin, which is why you need to take good care of the glasses. Although they are fairly scratch-resistant, the safest way to avoid damage is to care about the product properly.
Sunglasses for Driving Buying Guide
Are you ready to find the best sunglasses for driving? Numerous factors can play a role in deciding which product is the most suitable. The crucial thing to pinpoint is that sunglasses should meet your expectations and preferences. That being said, there are characteristics that specifically apply to use glasses while behind the wheel. We hope our buying guide will help you to find the most suitable unit easily.
4 Considerations When Buying Sunglasses for Driving
The most important thing to consider when finding appropriate driving sunglasses is the clarity of vision. The product that you choose must ensure your vision remains clear at all times. That means nothing obstructs your view of the road, and enough light is coming to your eyes. Keep that in mind, and ask the following questions during the selection process.
Do You Need Fixed or Variable Tint?
You have two options – going with a fixed or variable tint for your lenses. The main characteristic of fixed tint is that they always deliver an identical level of darkness (light) regardless of the weather conditions. It doesn’t matter if it is day or night, sunny, or rainy; these products will always provide the same darkness.
Polarized lenses are a frequent example of fixed tints, especially since their goal is to reduce glare. That might be helpful if the road is wet, and the sunlight reflects from the puddles to compromise your vision.
The alternative is going with variable tint. These are also famous as “photochromic” units, and their lenses act differently depending on the conditions. If it is extremely bright outside, they could increase the darkness level to ensure the optimal vision for the driver.
The experts don’t recommend going with lenses that only interact with the sunlight. That is because your windscreens might also do the job of filtering UV light, which modifies lens reaction and affects your vision. Before you continue choosing sunglasses, take a look at our windshield sun shade buying guide to learn more about these products.
What Tint Density Should You Choose?
The next question to ask is related to tint density. The professionals divide tint density into several categories, including:
- Clear (Class 0) – these glasses ensure at least 80% of light transmission, and are the only ones suitable for both day and night driving.
- Light (Class 1) – all units that have light transmission levels between 43% and 80%. They are most recommended when the sunlight levels are low.
- Medium (Class 2) – light transmission in this category go from 18% and 43%. As a result, you can use them when the sunlight is at a medium level.
- Dark (Class 3) and very dark (Class 4) – the light transmission goes from 3% and 18%. Depending on the exact level, they might not be suitable for driving at all. At ranges above 8%, you can consider using them when the sun is bright.
The crucial thing to note is that only the first class is suitable for drivers who plan to be behind the wheel at night. Check out the *best night driving glasses* to find suitable model suggestions.
Why Frame Style and Comfort Also Play an Important Role?
We believe that frame style and comfort need to go hand in hand when picking sunglasses to use behind the wheel of your car, motorcycle, or truck. That is because you want to like how the accessory looks, but also ensure it is comfortable to wear the item.
Going with oversized frames might be a bad choice since it might compromise your peripheral vision. Seeing as well as possible at all angles is essential when you are on the road.
That being said, you might be better with frames that feature big lenses. Try to combine them with thin arms to ensure the arms don’t compromise your vision. If you consider that description, you realize that aviator and similar sunglasses are a smart pick. You can also consider a wrap-around approach as it protects you from the sunlight while promoting optimal vision.
Finally, don’t forget to find sunglasses that fit your face shape and contribute to your appearance. It is important that you like the accessory since you will probably wear them on numerous occasions.
Which Color Do You Prefer?
The only remaining thing to pick is the color of your lenses. Let’s see some most common choices, and how they affect your vision while behind the wheel:
- Yellow – you will often see these in driving sunglasses because they improve contrast and definition. Thanks to that, they contribute to the optimal vision, and they can make it easier to distinguish colors at night.
- Amber and brown – these are also good options for drivers since you can use them in various environments. Whether it is rainy or sunny, these sunglasses will promote optimal contrast and perception.
- Rose – another fine choice for drivers, and a frequent female favorite. You can use rose sunglasses in all weather conditions, and they particularly help with perceiving depth.
- Grey – this color is comfortable on the eyes, which is why drivers that plan to stay behind the wheel for hours use it. Glare reduction is another important benefit of this color.
A List of the Most Important Sunglasses for Driving Features & Specifications
Here is the list of the critical features that every driving sunglasses should have:
- Meeting standards and regulations – check out the label and look for certificates that the product meets the latest industry standard. The product might also be labeled as “safe for driving.”
- Light transmission – if it is bright sunlight, you can pass with 20-50% light transmission. But if you plan to drive during the night, you want a minimum of 80% of light transmission, and 100% is even better.
- Lens color – the color depends on the style of the user. However, stick to several classic colors, including grey, yellow, and brown. Rose is also a fine choice, especially for ladies, but don’t’ go with blue or green as they might not support optimal vision while driving.
- Coating – the coating of your lenses is an important thing for the durability of the sunglasses. You want the item to be resistant to scratches. Scratches don’t only ruin the appearance of the glasses, but they also compromise vision.
- Polarized lenses – the reason why you should pick polarized lenses is that they can improve glare reduction. Reducing glare can be important on the road with plenty of sunlight or puddles that reflect light.
Benefits of Wearing Sunglasses While Driving
Are you still having second thoughts on whether you should wear sunglasses while driving? Take a look at the reasons why you should always have them nearby:
- Protection against sunlight – UV rays are damaging for your eyes. While you are in a vehicle, you could be moving toward the sun, which means you are directly exposed to the sunlight. That is not good for your eyes.
- It is safer to use them during bright days – sunlight is not only damaging for your eyes but could also compromise the safety of you and other traffic participants. Those UV rays could compromise your vision, which increases the risk of accidents on the road.
- Protection against reflections and glares – if it was raining, there might be puddles on the road. That means reflections that could compromise your vision clarity. That is not good if you are behind the wheel, which is why you need sunglasses. They will protect you against various glares and ensure you have an optimal view of the road.
If you want further protection from the sunlight and high temperatures, check out our window tint reviews to find an appropriate solution for your car.
FAQs & Answers
- Q: When do UV rays affect my eyes?
A: The experts indicate the sunlight is at its highest levels from 10 AM to 2 PM. However, UV rays could affect your vision throughout the entire day (as long as the sun is out). Apart from the sunlight itself, you shouldn’t neglect the reflections and glare it causes. That is why wearing sunglasses while driving might be a good idea. - Q: Can fixed tint be added to prescription glasses?
A: Yes, it is possible to add prescription lenses in the sunglasses you plan to use while driving. It is essential to have regular eye exams to ensure that your prescription is updated. - Q: Do I need more than a single pair of sunglasses?
A: You will only wear a single pair of sunglasses while driving. However, it might be helpful to have spare ones in the vehicle. You might forget them at home, or damage them in any way. In that case, you will always know that an additional option is available immediately.
Wrap Up
We’ve reached the end of our driving sunglasses buying guide, and we can only hope our comprehensive article helped you to find a suitable item. While it matters that the accessories fit your style, using them behind the wheel makes other features more important.
The best sunglasses for driving should have polarization and other protection against glares and reflection. The light transmission should be optimal, and it shouldn’t compromise your view of the road. Those are the ideas we had in mind when choosing the items for our reviews of sunglasses for driving. Our goal is to keep you safe, but also ensure you look stylish and confident while in the vehicle.
Remember, the final decision is always up to you. The perfect driving sunglasses are those that meet your expectations. Start by considering the characteristics you want them to have and pick accordingly. And don’t forget to ensure the sunglasses promote safety while driving!
