Drivers in the UK have been warned they could face fines of up to £1,000 for failing to tell the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) one thing. Around 14 million Brits risk falling foul of this rule and even having their licences suspended.
According to Tina Patel, contact lens optician at Feel Good Contacts, motorists who wear glasses must delare to the DVLA they need glasses to drive. They must also wear them while driving.
She explained: “Motorists that require eyesight correction to drive and have the ‘01’ code on the rear of their licence need to be careful.
“If they are caught behind the wheel without wearing their glasses or contact lenses, they could face severe penalties.
“Fines of up to £1,000 can be implemented on the spot and you may receive three points on your licence for failing to wear your specs, or you could even end up having your licence revoked altogether for breaking the Highway Code.
“What’s more, your insurance could be invalidated if you find yourself having to make a claim.”
If your eyesight changes you must also tell the DVLA. She continued: “You must notify the DVLA if there are any changes in your eyesight, so they can update your licence with an ’01’ code.
“Worryingly, in a recent survey by Feel Good Contacts, more than a third (35%) of drivers that require glasses or contact lenses when driving have not declared this to the DVLA.
“If you fail to keep you driving licence updated, you face a separate fine of up to £1,000, the same applies to an expired photo or change of address.”
According to rule 92 of the Highway Code:
- You must be able to read a vehicle number plate, in good daylight, from a distance of 20 metres (or 20.5 metres where the old style number plate is used)
- If you need to wear glasses (or contact lenses) to do this, you must wear them at all times while driving
- The police have the power to require a driver to undertake an eyesight test
Tina advised the following to keep your eyes in top shape when you are driving:
- Stay hydrated
- Ensure you get enough sleep
- Take regular breaks
- Wear your prescription glasses or contact lenses (if you need them for driving)
- Have the sun visor down when it’s very bright
- Wear sunglasses on very sunny days – polarised Sunglasses are specially made to reduce both direct and reflective glare