Drivers who need glasses or contact lenses to meet the minimum eyesight standards could face a fine of £1,000 and three penalty points on their licence if they flout DVLA rules. The law stipulates that all motorists must be able to read a car number plate from 20 metres away to ensure safe and efficient driving.
This requirement extends to those who rely on glasses or contact lenses. Additionally, drivers must have a ‘visual acuity’ of at least 0.5 on the Snellen scale, typically assessed by an optometrist, along with an adequate field of vision.
Those who fail to wear their prescribed eyewear while driving could be penalised under the MS70 offence code: ‘driving with uncorrected defective eyesight’. Moreover, not wearing the required eyewear could invalidate their car insurance, leading to further complications as they would be driving without valid car insurance.
What if my eyesight changes over time?
If your eyesight changes over time, even for the better, it is crucial to inform the DVLA promptly due to regulations regarding the reporting of medical conditions that could impact your driving. Failure to report such changes could result in a £1,000 fine from the DVLA.
If you’re diagnosed with an eye condition that could impact your driving, it’s likely your GP or optometrist will inform you. This information must then be passed onto the DVLA.
There are several eye conditions that could affect your driving, including:
- nyctalopia (night blindness)
- diabetic retinopathy (with laser treatment)
- retinitis pigmentosa
- glaucoma
- blepharospasm
- diplopia (double vision)
- Macular degeneration
- Monocular vision
- Loss of an eye
- Visual field defects
- Cataracts (if you have an increased sensitivity to glare)
If you are not sure if you’re eye condition will affect your driving, you can check the online A-Z form which will help tell you if you need to report a condition. Furthermore, if you need to report an eye condition, you can so by completing a V1 form and sending it to the DVLA.
Alternatively, you can make a report or find the appropriate form online here.