The FIA has great news for everyone’s retinas. For the 2026 Dakar Rally, the federation will let drivers and navigators wear sunglasses with their helmets while racing.

Normally, only eyewear specifically to correct vision such as eyeglasses and contact lens are permitted. In October, the FIA added Article 1.7 to Chapter III of the International Sporting Code that states, “Only FIA homologated accessories are authorised attached to the helmet. Only glasses or contact lenses for the sole purpose of correcting eyesight and figuring in the International Driver’s Licence are authorised.”

However, they were willing to make an exception for the Dakar since it takes place in the Saudi desert, an obviously extremely hot environment with plenty of sunlight. Still, competitors can only wear sunglasses if it’s to see clearly (meaning they can’t wear them if it’s just to make them look cool).

“Having considered the possibility of extreme intensity of the sun and to provide clarity and certainty to competitors and officials for the duration of the event, the use of sunglasses is allowed when used solely to improve visibility under these bright conditions,” explained the organizers in a Friday bulletin.

Of course, sunglasses are allowed outside of the vehicle at any time.

The new policy will be codified as Article 11.18 of the FIA supplementary regulations for the race.

Featured image credit: Marcelo Maragni / Red Bull Content Pool