can.you.get sunburnt in a moving.car

[Yvonne]

Yes, you can absolutely get sunburned in a moving car. While the glass in your car's windshield and windows blocks most UVB rays—the primary cause of sunburn—it offers significantly less protection against UVA rays. UVA rays penetrate glass deeply and are a major contributor to premature skin aging and long-term skin damage. The short answer is yes, you can get sunburned in a moving car. The glass in your car's windshield and windows blocks most UVB rays—the primary cause of sunburn—but offers significantly less protection against UVA rays, which penetrate glass and contribute to long-term skin damage.

The level of risk depends on several factors. A longer drive, especially during peak sun hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.), increases your exposure. Sunlight can be more intense when reflected off snow, water, or even light-colored pavement, amplifying the effect. People with fair skin are naturally at higher risk.

For effective protection, especially on long trips, apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to all exposed skin, including your face, neck, arms, and hands. Wearing UV-protective clothing and sunglasses can provide additional defense.

UV Ray Type	Penetrates Car Glass?	Primary Skin Effect	Sunscreen Protection
UVB Rays	Mostly blocked	Causes sunburn/skin reddening	Look for high SPF (e.g., SPF 30+)
UVA Rays	Yes, significantly	Causes premature aging, wrinkles	Look for "Broad-Spectrum" label
UVA Protection from Glass	Standard side windows block ~60-70%	Windshields (laminated) block ~96%	Applying sunscreen is the only sure defense

[StZoe]

It's a common misconception, but yeah, you can get burned. I learned this the hard way after a long drive with my arm resting on the window sill. The sun coming through the side window didn't feel hot, but my arm was red for days. The glass doesn't stop the kind of rays that cause aging and tanning, so you're not as safe as you think. I make a point to put on sunscreen now if I'm driving for more than an hour.

[McSamuel]

Think of it like this: car glass is good at stopping the rays that cause a quick sunburn (UVB), but it's not great at stopping the aging rays (UVA). These UVA rays go right through the glass and into your skin. Over time, this leads to wrinkles, sun spots, and can increase skin cancer risk. So while you might not turn red immediately, you're still accumulating damage. The best move is to wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen daily.