How Should Drivers Handle Sun Glare While Driving?

A clear, sunny day can still create dangerous driving conditions. When sunlight strikes a windshield or shines directly toward the driver's eyes, vehicles, pedestrians, lane markings and traffic lights become harder to see. Strong glare often occurs near sunrise and sunset.

Quick answer: When sun glare makes the road difficult to see, slow down smoothly, increase your following distance, use the sun visor and suitable sunglasses, and keep your windshield clean inside and out. Avoid looking directly into the sun, keep scanning for traffic and pedestrians, and leave the road at a safe location if you cannot see enough to drive safely.

Why can bright sunlight make driving hazardous?

Sunlight can wash out contrast and temporarily reduce your ability to identify objects ahead. A vehicle's brake lights, a pedestrian entering a crosswalk or a traffic signal may blend into the bright background. The problem is particularly difficult when the sun is near eye level, and windshields with haze or scratches can scatter even more light.

  • Sunrise and sunset: A low sun may shine directly toward approaching drivers.
  • Reflective surfaces: Wet pavement, glass and vehicle surfaces can intensify glare.
  • Windshield haze: Dust, film, streaks and scratches can scatter sunlight.
  • Hidden road users: Pedestrians, cyclists and vehicles may be harder to distinguish against the sun.
  • Reduced stopping time: Drivers can recognize hazards later when sight distance is compromised.
  • Changing roadway angle: Curves and hills can suddenly expose drivers to direct sunlight.

Six steps for driving more safely into bright sunlight

  1. Reduce your speed gradually. Make adjustments early so you can react to hazards within the distance you can see clearly.
  2. Increase following distance. Extra space helps compensate for delays in noticing brake lights or slowing traffic.
  3. Adjust the sun visor carefully. Shield your eyes without blocking traffic signals, pedestrians or the roadway.
  4. Use appropriate sunglasses. Choose lenses that reduce glare while allowing you to read instruments and recognize signals.
  5. Keep glass clean. Remove dirt and film from both sides of the windshield, and keep the washer fluid and wipers ready.
  6. Find a safe place to stop if necessary. If you cannot see the travel path or other road users adequately, leave the roadway at a safe parking area and wait for the sun angle or conditions to change.

When is sun glare the worst for driving?

It is often most intense shortly after sunrise or before sunset, especially when the road points toward the low sun. A hill or curve can suddenly change the angle between the windshield and sunlight. Some highways even experience recurring seasonal glare problems. Where possible, plan nonessential trips to avoid severe glare periods and check for weather-related travel advisories.

How can a clean windshield improve visibility?

Even a thin film on the inside of a windshield can scatter direct sunlight and make distant objects difficult to recognize. Clean the glass on both sides, replace worn wiper blades and refill windshield washer fluid. Keep papers, reflective objects and clutter off the dashboard because reflections can further obstruct the view. A clean windshield cannot eliminate direct glare, but it removes a common avoidable cause of reduced contrast.

Do sunglasses and sun visors really help?

They can. A visor can block direct rays and suitable sunglasses can reduce brightness or reflected glare. Some polarized lenses interfere with dashboard screens or head-up displays, so verify you can still read critical information. Never allow a lowered visor to cover a traffic signal or the driving path. Adjust the visor before moving when possible and keep your attention on traffic.

How should you change your speed and following distance?

Because glare can delay recognition of vehicles and pedestrians, slow down and create a larger gap ahead. Avoid sudden braking if a smoother reduction will maintain safety. Do not maintain highway speed merely because the pavement is dry and the sky is clear. Read how drivers should adjust speed for conditions and how to choose a safe following distance.

Why should drivers be extra careful near intersections and crosswalks?

Cross traffic, pedestrians and cyclists may be hidden against the bright sun. Slow early, check the intersection carefully and avoid turning until you are certain the path is clear. The driver behind you may also be having difficulty seeing. Use turn signals well ahead of a maneuver and keep your movements predictable. Do not enter an intersection simply because a signal seems green when glare prevents you from confirming conditions.

What if another driver has the sun behind you?

Drivers approaching from the opposite direction may be facing directly into the sun and could struggle to see your vehicle. AAA recommends using headlights to help make your car more visible. Never assume an approaching driver sees your turn signal, brake lights, or position. Allow extra room at intersections and while crossing opposing traffic lanes.

What should you do when glare becomes blinding?

If you cannot identify the road and nearby hazards clearly enough to stop or steer safely, do not continue driving blindly. Reduce speed in a controlled way, signal, and proceed to a safe turnout, parking area or exit. Avoid stopping suddenly in a live lane or on a high-speed shoulder. Resume only when you can maintain adequate visibility.

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Frequently asked questions about sun glare while driving

When is sun glare most dangerous for drivers?

Glare can be especially severe around sunrise and sunset, when the sun is low near the horizon. The angle of the road, hills and windshield also affect visibility.

What should you do when the sun shines directly into your eyes?

Slow down gradually, increase following distance, use the sun visor and appropriate sunglasses, and avoid looking directly at the sun. If you cannot see well enough to drive safely, pull into a safe parking area.

Do polarized sunglasses help with sun glare?

Polarized sunglasses can reduce reflected glare for many drivers, but some lenses make certain instrument displays or screens harder to read. Choose eyewear that preserves a clear view of both the road and vehicle controls.

Why is cleaning the windshield important before driving into the sun?

Smudges, streaks, dust and interior haze scatter sunlight and can make glare worse. Clean both sides of the windshield and maintain your wiper blades and washer fluid.

Should you use your headlights when driving into bright sun?

Turning on appropriate headlights can make your vehicle more visible to other road users, especially when they are looking toward the sun. Headlights do not eliminate glare for the driver.

What if your sun visor blocks your view of the road?

Reposition the visor so it shades your eyes without hiding traffic signals, road users or hazards. If you cannot maintain adequate visibility, reduce speed and stop safely off the roadway.

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Official sources and further reading

Reviewed October 29, 2026. This article elaborates on NDT's general observation and speed-management principles with glare-specific guidance from AAA and CDOT.