Can you get sunburned through a car window?

If you’re a driver who spends a lot of time in the car, or you drive for a job, then it’s important to know about the risks of sun exposure while you’re on the road. You may think you’re safe because you’re behind a glass window, but unfortunately this isn’t the case.

Car windows block most, but not all, harmful sunlight. It's the ultraviolet radiation (UV rays) in sunlight that causes sunburn. It's also one of the main causes of skin cancer. You're more likely to develop skin cancer if you have fair skin that burns easily, lots of moles or freckles, red or fair hair, or light-coloured eyes.

Follow our advice below for staying safe and protected from the sun while driving.

What are the risks of sunburn and sun exposure through a car window?

There are two types of UV in sunlight that can reach your skin even through a closed window. Exposure to either of these increases your risk of developing skin cancer:

1. UVB

• Absorbed by the top layer of your skin
• Directly associated with sunburn
• Car windows block most but not all of these types of rays

2. UVA

• Penetrates deeper into your skin
• Reduces elasticity and causes premature ageing
• Car windows do NOT protect you from UVA rays, as they can penetrate through the glass and cause damage to your skin

You can reduce your chances of being damaged by UV rays by opting for UV-protective windows for your car. You’ll have to weigh up whether or not you want to spend the extra money on them, as they can be quite expensive, but they can block up to 99% of all UV rays thanks to the special films/coatings used on the glass.

Do car windows block UV radiation?

UV levels inside your car will depend on the type of glass, your direction relative to the sun, and whether you've got the windows open or closed.

• Clear side windows block virtually all UVB but only about a third of UVA radiation
• Laminated glass – used in all windscreens as well as side windows in some cars – is better and can block all UVB and more than three quarters of UVA radiation

How to avoid getting sunburn in a car

You might not think it, but protecting yourself from the sun when you’re in the car is very important. You can avoid the harmful effects of UV rays by following our top tips:

• Wear sunscreen or cover up if you’re on a road trip in summer with windows or a sunroof open
• If you burn easily and drive a lot then you should wear sunscreen or cover up even if you keep windows closed. Use the air-conditioning to keep you cool
• If you're driving with the roof down wear a hat and sunscreen
• Make sure that passengers, particularly children, are protected too
• Carry a sun hat, long-sleeved clothing and sunscreen in case you break down – you may not be able to find somewhere safe to wait for help that's also shady
• Choose a sunscreen that can protect against both UVA and UVB
• Stay out of the sun around the middle of the day when it's at its strongest
• Protect your children's more sensitive skin by using sunscreen and clothing – consider fitting extra shading to car windows
• Choose sunglasses that provide UV protection

Can babies get sunburn through a car window?

All windscreens use laminated glass and therefore offer pretty good protection from all types of UV rays. Side windows for passengers, however, are often clear glass and allow around two-thirds of UVA rays through. If your baby seat is by a non-laminated side window, then your baby can get sunburn while you’re driving.

Even with laminated windows, you’re not 100% safe from UV, so make sure to do the following to keep your baby safe in the car:

• Dress them with lightweight long-sleeved clothing, with a hat to protect their head and face
• Apply sun cream with a high SPF factor to any exposed skin (hands/face/neck etc.)
• If you don’t have laminated windows or UV-blocking films, consider installing some on your car
• Try to drive in earlier or later hours (avoiding the peak sunlight hours in the day)
• Take breaks often and get into the shade/indoors if possible

If you're considering providing extra protection by having your car windows tinted, you can learn more about the law surrounding these here Tinted vehicle windows: the law - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).

Understanding sunburn and skin damage

Sunburn is a form of skin damage that occurs when someone is exposed to UV (ultraviolet) rays from the sun or sunbeds for too long. Symptoms of sunburn include red, swollen and painful skin, with blistering and peeling later on. Repeated over-exposure to UV rays can increase your chances of getting skin cancer. Over years, it can also cause you to age prematurely, sustain eye damage, and weaken your immune system.

UV rays cause issues by penetrating the skin and damaging the DNA in skin cells. Your immune system responds by causing the skin to become red and swollen – a result of your body producing more melanin. The best way to avoid this damage is to use high-SPF sunscreen and avoid going out during the hottest hours of the day. Don’t assume that you’ll be safe on a cloudy day either, as UV rays can penetrate through clouds.

How to choose sunscreen

The Sun Protection Factor (SPF) is mainly a measure of UVB protection. The higher the better. A separate star rating (one to five) tells you how much UVA protection it gives. It's best to choose a ‘broad spectrum’ sunscreen that can protect you against UVA and UV.

Can the sun tan you through a car window?

Most cars use laminated glass for the windscreen, which means you have more protection from the sun if it’s at such an angle that it’s only visible straight ahead of you. However, if the sun is coming through your side windows, you’ll have less protection from UVA rays. The best way to protect yourself is to wear long-sleeved clothing and use sunscreen on any exposed skin.

Stay safe while driving

Remember, you can get still get sunburned through car windows, as they don’t block 100% of UVA rays. With this in mind, make sure to protect yourself and any passengers in your car by using sunscreen and wearing long-sleeved, loose-fitting clothing, and avoiding driving during the hottest hours of the day.