How to Choose the Best Sunglasses for Driving

Key Features to Look for in Driving Sunglasses

The top priority for any driving sunglasses is complete UV protection. Lenses that block all UVA and UVB rays help prevent long-term eye damage and are essential for daytime driving. Another critical feature is polarization, which cuts down glare from car hoods, pavement, and bodies of water, making lane lines, brake lights, and other obstacles easier to see.

Other considerations when selecting driving sunglasses include:

• Lens Color: Different lens colors work better in specific conditions. Brown lenses improve contrast in low-light or overcast conditions, while grey lenses preserve true-to-life colors in bright sunlight. 

• Backside Anti-Reflective (AR) Coating: Backside AR reduces distracting reflections on the rear surface of the lenses, which can occur when sunlight hits from behind or is low on the horizon. 

• Durable, Lightweight Materials: Polycarbonate or Trivex lenses provide impact resistance and comfort for long periods of wear. 

• Frame Fit and Coverage: Slightly curved or larger lenses help shield your eyes from peripheral sunlight, while adjustable nose pads and properly fitted temples keep sunglasses secure without blocking your view. 

Why Polarized Lenses Make Driving Safer

Polarized sunglasses are designed to reduce horizontal glare from reflective surfaces such as car hoods, windshields, roads, and bodies of water. By minimizing these harsh reflections, polarized lenses make lane markers, brake lights, and other obstacles easier to see, while helping to reduce squinting and eye strain—keeping your eyes comfortable and alert, even on long drives.

Remember that polarization mainly targets glare entering the front of the lenses. To address reflections from behind, like low-angle sunlight during morning or evening drives, adding a backside anti-reflective (AR) coating can help eliminate distracting ghost images and deliver clearer vision in all lighting conditions.

Brown Polarized Lenses

Brown polarized lenses are ideal for low-light situations, such as early mornings, late afternoons, shaded streets, or overcast days. They enhance contrast between the sky and surrounding landscape, helping you notice details and judge distances more accurately. Brown lenses are perfect for commutes at dawn or dusk, drives along tree-lined routes, variable weather conditions, or anytime subtle contrast improvement is desired without overly darkening the view.

Grey Polarized Lenses

Grey polarized lenses are well-suited for bright sunlight, controlling glare while preserving natural color perception. These lenses reduce excessive brightness without altering how traffic signals, road signs, or scenery appear. Grey lenses are ideal for midday drives, open highways, coastal roads, or any extended time in bright conditions where comfort and true-to-life color are important. 

Tips for Frame Selection and Fit

Choosing driving sunglasses isn’t just about lenses—how the frames fit and protect your eyes matters just as much:

• Coverage: Slightly curved or larger lenses block side and overhead glare. Lenses should fit close enough to prevent light leaks while avoiding contact with your lashes. 

• Stable Temples: Slim, flexible temple arms fit comfortably under hats or headsets and help reduce blind spots, while secure hinges keep sunglasses in place over uneven roads. 

• All-Day Comfort: Adjustable nose pads allow proper alignment with your visual sweet spot, and lightweight materials like nylon or titanium reduce pressure during longer drives. 

• Prescription-Ready Build: If you need prescription lenses, choose frames that accommodate them. Pair with polarized tints and backside AR coatings for maximum clarity and comfort.