Alabama

Date last verified: Jan 2008

Visual Acuity: 20/60 or better with bioptic telescope
Visual Field: 110 degrees horizontal 80 degrees vertical;
Will allow monocular drivers. There are certain training requirements and written verification is needed from an optometrist or ophthalmologist.
Bioptic telescopes are permitted for obtaining a license and driving.

Alabama Department of Public Safety
Procedural Manual, Section 8, Issue date: 4/16/97

Alaska

Date last verified: Oct 2007

Visual Acuity: Minimum of 20/40 in one eye gets unrestricted license.
Same with glasses restricted to wearing glasses (contacts).
Best visual acuity of 20/40 to 20/100 in one eye (with or without glasses) needs report from an eye specialist.
Request for license then determined by discretion.
Less than 20/100 best corrected: no license.
A person wearing telescopic or compound lenses whose field of vision is less than 60 percent will not be issued a Class D license unless the person is able to meet the requirements for visual acuity without the aid of the lenses.

Alaska DMV: AAC 08. 340 MEDICAL STANDARDS; authority: AS 28. 05. 011 AS28. 15. 081 AS 28. 15. 031

Arizona

Date last verified: Feb 10, 2006

Visual Acuity: minimum of 20/40 in one eye required.
Persons with binocular vision and visual acuity of 20/60 will be restricted to daytime driving only.
Visual Field: Field of vision must be 60 degrees, plus 35 degrees on the opposite side of the nose in at least one eye.
BIOPTIC TELESCOPE GLASSES ARE PERMITTED TO PASS THE VISION STANDARDS

Arizona Revised Statutes (ARS) 28-3005, 28-3314Arizona Administrative Code: R17-4-502, R17-4-503

Arkansas

Date last verified: May 2007

Visual Acuity: minimum uncorrected of 20/40 for unrestricted license and minimum of 20/50 for a restricted license.
Persons with binocular vision and visual acuity of 20/60 will be restricted to daytime driving only.
Visual Field: Field of vision must be 140 degrees for a person with two eyes, and 105 degrees for a person with one eye.
Bioptic Telescopes are permitted under certain conditions.

NO DEFINITIVE RULE CONCERNING DRIVING WITH BIOPTIC TELESCOPES. INFORMATION TO BE SUBMITTED TO LEGAL DEPT. FOR DECISION (as of Dec. 20, 2004)

Driver Services Issuance Sec; p227; 27-16-704

California

Date last verified: Oct 2007

Visual Acuity: "The department shall not issue a driver’s license to, or renew a driver’s license of, any person whose best corrected visual acuity is 20/200 or worse in that person’s better eye, as verified by an optometrist or ophthalmologist. No person may use a bioptic telescope or similar lens to meet the 20/200 visual acuity standards."

Bioptic Telescope Lenses are permitted for driving. New pilot program in Northern California includes new assessment tools:

1. Observation for any physical limitations that could affect safe driving.
2. A cognitive exercise that will require you to recall in writing your social security number or your zip code if you have never been issued a SSN.
3. A vision test that measures contrast sensitivity.
4. Perceptual Response Test, if you do not perform well on the standard tests or new assessment tools.

Colorado

Date last verified: May 15, 2007

Visual Acuity: 20/40 in the better eye, with or without corrective lenses.
20/70 in the better eye if worse eye is 20/200 or better;
20/40 if worse eye is worse than 20/200.
Visual Field: Not mentioned in the regulations.
Bioptic telescopes are permitted to meet visual acuity standards. Doctor must fill out form 2401

Colorado Motor Vehicle Division, Motor Vehicle law 42-2-111
Driver License Services

Connecticut

Date last verified: May 21, 2007

Visual Acuity: Unrestricted license, 20/40 in the better eye, with or without corrective lenses.
Restricted license, 20/50 to 20/70.
Under some circumstances a license can be issued when the visual acuity is 20/200.
Visual Field: Field of vision must be 140 degrees for a person with two eyes, 100 degrees for a person with one eye.
An operator’s license shall not be issued to an operator who uses spectacle mounted telescopic aids.

Health Standards for licensing decisions for operators of motor vehicles, section 14-45a-1

Delaware

Date last verified: Oct 8, 2007

Visual Acuity: Unrestricted license: 20/40 in the better eye, with or without corrective lenses.
Restricted license: 20/50. Beyond 20/50 driving privileges are denied.
Visual Field: No requirements.
Bioptic Telescopes are treated on an individual basis as long as the applicant passes all the driving tests.

Dept. of Public Safety, Division of Motor Vehicles, Manager of Driver Safety.

District of Columbia

Date last verified: Oct 8, 2007

Visual Acuity: 20/40 in the better eye, with or without corrective lenses.
20/70 in the better eye requires 140 degree visual field for restricted license.
A license can be issued upon the favorable recommendation of an optometrist or ophthalmologist.
Visual Field: Minimum of 130 degrees in the horizontal meridian.
Between 110 & 130 degrees, with ok Visual Acuity may be approved.
Bioptic telescopes are not mentioned in the regulations.

Florida

Date last verified: July 2009

Visual Acuity: All drivers are required to have the best possible vision. Minimum of 20/70 in either eye, or both eyes together may pass with or without corrective lenses, if vision cannot be improved; however if one eye is blind or 20/200 or worse, the other eye must be 20/40 or better.
Visual Field: The minimum acceptable field of vision is an uninterrupted 130 degrees in the horizontal field. The use of telescopic lenses to meet visual standards is not recognized in Florida.

Georgia

Date last verified: May 15, 2007

Visual Acuity: Must have 20/60 in either eye with or without corrective lenses.
Bioptic Telescope Lenses are permitted for best corrected acuity as low as 20/200, with some restrictions.
License renewal for bioptic drivers is now 4 years.
Visual Field: 140 degrees minimum if two eyes. If monocular, needs minimum of 70 degrees temporally and 50 degrees nasally.

Rules and Regulations 40-5-27

Hawaii

Date last verified: Feb 7, 2007

Visual Acuity: 20/40 in the better eye, with or without corrective lenses.
No provision for less than 20/40.
Visual Field: Field of vision must be 140 degrees for a person with two eyes, 70 degrees for a person with one eye.
Bioptic telescopes are permitted for driving but not for passing the vision tests.

"Peggy", Dept. of Motor Vehicle Safety, s19-122-8

Idaho

Date last verified: Oct 2007

Visual Acuity: 220/40 in the better eye, with or without corrective lenses: no restrictions
20/50 - 20/60: Annual Testing and Road Test
20/70: Denied
Visual Field: Nothing specified.
The use of bioptic telescopes is acceptable. Acuity must reach 20/40.
Annual visual and road test. Daylight only.

Nadine, Idaho DMV

Illinois

Date last verified: Feb 7, 2005

Visual Acuity: 20/40 in the better eye, with or without corrective lenses.
20/70 in the better eye: restricted license (daylight only).
20/100 in the better eye, 20/40 through bioptic telescope.
Certain limitations are placed on type of telescopes.
Visual Field: Field of vision must be 140 degrees for a person with two eyes. For monocular, 70 degrees temporally & 35 degrees nasally.
Bioptic telescopes are permitted under certain circumstances with certain limitations.

Drivers Services Department

Indiana

Date last verified: Jan 2008

Visual Acuity: 20/40 in the better eye, with or without corrective lenses.
20/50 in the better eye: restricted license daytime only.
20/70 in each eye with best correction: daytime only.
Visual field: no less than 120 degrees horizontal;
Bioptic Telescope Lenses are permitted for best corrected acuity as low as 20/200, with some restrictions. Visual Acuity must reach 20/40 with telescope (4X or less).
Color vision adequate for traffic lights;
Stable eye condition; good mental attitude.
Evaluation by driver educator, approval of DMV medical review board, 30 hours of driver training, pass road test

Indiana Drivers Vision Requirements & D. McConnaha, OD, Indiana University Low Vision Service

Iowa

Date last verified: Mar 14, 2005

Visual Acuity: 20/40 in the better eye, with or without corrective lenses. 20/50 in the better eye: restricted license (daylight only).
20/70 in the better eye: restricted license (daylight only, up to 35 mph).
Visual Field: 140 degrees: no restriction. Between 115 and140 degrees: certain restrictions.
Bioptic telescopes are not permitted to meet visual acuity standards.

Iowa Drivers Manual, Administrative Rule 600. 4

Kansas

Date last verified: Jul 2007

Visual Acuity: 20/20 - 20/50 in the better eye, with or without corrective lenses.
20/50 - 20/100 drive test required.
20/100 - 20/400 must be approved by Driver Review
20/400 or worse: must be approved by MAB or Director
Visual Field: Less than 110 degrees requires test drive.
Monocular driver: less than 55 degrees requires test drive.
For Bioptic Users: vision form required; annual report required; drive test based on acuity through carrier lenses. Doctor must certify that applicant is safe enough to attempt drive test.

Kansas Administrative Regulations 92-52-12

Kentucky

Date last verified: July 2009

Kentucky Bioptic Driving Law
Below is an the Act relating to the operation of a motor vehicle in Kentucky which allowed for visually impaired driver’s to use bioptics. This Act took effect on January 1, 2001 allowing bioptic driving in Kentucky.
A NEW SECTION OF KRS 186. 400 TO 186. 640 IS CREATED TO READ AS FOLLOWS:

1. Applicants accepted to participate in a certified driver training program shall meet the following minimum vision requirements:
   1. A distance visual acuity of 20/200 or better, with corrective lenses, in the applicant’s better eye;
   2. A visual field of at least one hundred twenty (120) degrees horizontally and eighty (80) degrees vertically in the same eye as used in paragraph (a) of this subsection;
   3. A distance visual acuity of 20/60 or better using a bioptic telescopic device; and
   4. No ocular diagnosis or prognosis that indicates a likelihood that significant deterioration of visual acuity or visual field to levels below the minimum standards outlined in this subsection will occur.
2. Upon acceptance into a certified driver training program, an applicant shall be given an examination to test his or her knowledge of the motor vehicle laws of the Commonwealth. This examination may be taken orally.
3. omitted
4. Take a comprehensive operator’s license examination administered by the State Police. The operator’s license examination shall include testing of the applicant’s driving skills over a route specifically designed to test the applicant’s competency using a bioptic telescopic device.

SECTION 4. A NEW SECTION OF KRS 186. 400 TO 186. 640 IS CREATED TO READ AS FOLLOWS:

1. The circuit clerk shall issue, to an applicant who successfully passes the operator’s license examination outlined in subsection (4) of Section 3 of this Act, an operator’s license with the following restrictions:
   1. Required use of a bioptic telescopic device; and
   2. Restricted to daytime driving.
2. A restriction to daytime driving in accordance with subsection (1) of this section shall be removed if the licensed driver:
   1. Drives for thirty-six (36) months without any at-fault accidents and without any license suspensions;
   2. Successfully completes additional evaluation and training specifically designed for night driving from a certified driver training program; and
   3. Passes a comprehensive night driving examination. The law applies as follows and TS are allowed to meet the requirement at any level (these are the official rules as written)

Louisiana

Date last verified: Oct 8, 2007

Visual Acuity: 20/40 in the better eye, with or without corrective lenses.
For Telescope Wearers: at Least 20/200 in one eye. 20/60 with the bioptic Telescope
Visual Field: 110 degrees Horizontal (if monocular: 40 temporal & 30 nasal)
Report by O. D. or M. D.
30 hours behind the wheel training
Pass drive test
Restriction "E": no motorcycle or scooter; no night or adverse conditions

ACT No. 881 HB 1550, Regular Session, 2004
SIGNED INTO LAW IN 2004.

Maine

Date last verified: May 21, 2007

Visual Acuity: 20/40 in the better eye, with or without corrective lenses.
20/70 in the better eye with restrictions: Each eye must be 20/70.
If one eye worse than 20/70, other eye must be at least 20/60 for daylight restricted license, with 25 mile radius.
If one eye worse than 20/70, other eye must be at least 20/50 for daylight restricted license. If one eye worse than 20/70, other eye must be at least 20/40 for unrestricted license.
Visual Field: Binocular field of vision 140 degrees.
Binocular field of vision between 110 and 140 degrees with restrictions.
Bioptic telescopes are not permitted to meet visual acuity standards.

Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles

Maryland

Date last verified: Nov 11, 2008

Visual Acuity: 20/40 in each eye with or without corrective lenses.
Visual Field: Continuous field of view of 140 degrees.
Restricted license: up to 20/70 in one or both eyes and a minimum 110 degree fields with at least 35 degrees lateral to the middle of each side.

PERSONS WITH AT LEAST 20/70, BUT NO WORSE THAN 20/100 REQUIRE SPECIAL HANDLING BY THE DEPARTMENT’S GLEN BURNIE HEADQUARTERS.

Bioptic telescope glasses are permitted for driving.

www.marylandmva.com/DriverServ/VisionScreen/Default.htm

Massachusetts

Date last verified: May 22, 2007

Visual Acuity: unrestricted, 20/40 in the better eye, with or without corrective lenses
+ 120 degree field + distinguish red/green/amber colors.
Restricted: 20/70 in the better eye, with or without corrective lenses
+ 120 degree field + distinguish red/green/amber colors.
Bioptic: 20/40 through telescope, 20/100 through carrier + same VF/Color requirements.
The other eye must be at least 20/100.
Bioptic telescopes are permitted under certain circumstances with certain limitations.

Michigan

Date last verified: July 2009

1. Vision with no progressive abnormality of the eye
   1. 20/50 full driving privileges
   2. 20/70 daylight only
   3. < 20/70 not eligible
2. Vision with progressive abnormality of the eye
   1. 20/50 full driving privileges
   2. 20/60 daylight only
   3. < 20/60 not eligible
3. Drivers with 20/100 or less vision in one eye and the other
   1. 20/50 full driving privileges
   2. < 20/60 not eligible
4. Peripheral Vision
   1. > 110 deg full driving privileges
   2. 90-110 subject to additional conditions and requirements
   3. < 90 deg not eligible

Minnesota

Date last verified: May 1, 2007

Visual Acuity: 20/40 in the better eye, with or without corrective lenses. 20/70 in the better eye with restrictions on speed. When VA is 20/80 or up to, but not including 20/100, applicant referred to driver evaluation unit. 20/100 in the better eye: applicant is denied a license

Visual Field: Horizontal field of vision 105 degrees. Horizontal field of vision of less than 105 degrees: possible with restrictions.

Bioptic telescopes are not mentioned in the regulations. However, if the applicant can meet the minimum requirements, the doctor must write "bioptic lenses" on the vision report form. The driver evaluation unit will conduct a "visual road test" before licensing.

Driver and Vehicle Services Division, 7410. 2400

Mississippi

Date last verified: May 15, 2007

Visual Acuity: 20/200 Best Corrected without telescope
20/50 With Telescope.
Visual Field: at least 150 degrees
Biotic Telescopes: There are certain restrictions on the power of the telescope (4X), how fitted, and who prescribes them.
There are certain training requirements, and a letter from an optometrist or ophthalmologist is required.
Bioptic telescopes are permitted to pass the vision test and drive.

Mississippi Highway Safety Patrol,
Driver Services Bureau, 4/10/00

Missouri

Date last verified: May 15, 2007

Visual Acuity: (has rather complicated rules)
Unrestricted: 20/40 in the better eye, with or without corrective lenses.
Restricted: up to 20/160 in the better eye.
Visual Field: 55 degrees or better in both eyes.
85 degrees in one eye: restrictions apply.
Bioptic telescopes are not permitted to meet visual acuity standards but can be used to meet the skills test.

Drivers License Bureau, vision guidelines

Montana

Date last verified: Oct 2007

Visual Acuity: 20/40 in the better eye, with or without corrective lenses.
20/40 to 20/70 in the better eye with restrictions on daylight and speed.
20/100 in the better eye: possible restricted license if need is shown.
Visual Field: No information provided.
Bioptic telescopes are not permitted to improve the visual acuity on testing, but may be used for driving.

Montana Motor Vehicle Division, 23. 3. 119

Nebraska

Date last verified: Jul 2007

Visual Acuity: Nebraska has 17 types of restrictions on driver’s licenses depending upon the vision in each eye. Generally, 20/40 in the better eye is required.
Visual Field: Less than 100 degrees is denied.
Over 140 degrees, no restriction.
Bioptic telescopes are permitted to meet visual acuity standards and require yearly renewal.

Chapter 60, Motor Vehicles

Nevada

Date last verified: Aug 2005

Visual Acuity: 20/40 in the better eye, with or without corrective lenses.
Visual Field: Binocular field of vision 140 degrees.
Binocular field of vision between 110 and 140 degrees with restrictions.
Bioptic telescopes are permitted to meet visual acuity standards:
20/40 through the telescope; 20/120 through carrier; 130 degree visual field.

483. 405 Driver’s License Division, Las Vegas, Nevada

New Hampshire

Visual Acuity: 20/40 in the better eye, with or without corrective lenses.
20/70 in the better eye with restrictions
Visual Field: (undetermined)
Bioptic telescopes are not mentioned in the regulations.

Part C, Department of Safety

New Jersey

Date last verified: Oct 8, 2007

Visual Acuity: 20/50 in the better eye, with or without corrective lenses.
Any VA that does not meet that requirement is sent to the Medical Review Board.
They may require the patient’s eye care practitioner to provide pertinent information regarding vision/ocular status.
Visual Field: Not mentioned in the regulations.
Bioptic telescopes are not mentioned in the rule to meet visual acuity standards.

Licensing Service, 13:21-8. 10 e

New Mexico

Date last verified: May 15, 2007

Visual Acuity: 20/40 in the better eye, with or without corrective lenses.
20/80 in the better eye with restrictions
Visual Field: 120 degrees in the horizontal meridian, with at least 30 degrees in the nasal field of one eye.
Bioptic telescopes are not used in testing.
Taxation and Revenue Department, Driver Services.

New York

Date last verified: Jan 2008

Visual Acuity: minimum best corrected 20/40 in one eye with or without glasses;
20/40 to 20/70 best corrected in one eye requires minimum of 140 degree horizontal visual field.
20/80 to 20/100 best corrected in one eye requires minimum of 140 degree horizontal visual field plus 20/40 through a Bioptic Telescopic Lens.
Specific areas of training in the use of the Bioptic Telescopic Lens are required.

NYS DMV rules/regulations.

North Carolina

Date last verified: July 2009

Visual Acuity: 20/40 in the better eye, with or without corrective lenses, no restrictions.
20/100 in the better eye with restrictions; 20/70 in the better eye if the worse eye is 20/200 or worse.
Visual Field: 60 degrees in one eye (30 degrees on each side).
Binocular field of vision between 110 and 140 degrees with restrictions.
Bioptic telescopes are not permitted to meet visual acuity standards but are permitted for driving and must be prescribed by an optometrist or ophthalmologist.

p14-17, Driver Medical Evaluation

North Dakota

Date last verified: May 1, 2007

North Dakota has many different types of restrictions depending upon the visual acuity in each eye. Generally, however, the following is true:
Visual Acuity: 20/40 in the better eye, with or without corrective lenses. One eye must be 20/60 or better to get a restricted license. 20/70 in the better eye with restrictions on speed limit. Worse eye must be 20/100 or better.
Visual Field: Binocular field of vision 105 degrees. Binocular field of vision between 110 and 140 degrees with restrictions.
Bioptic telescopes are permitted to meet visual acuity standards: 20/130 in carrier, 20/40 in telescope; full peripheral field.

Article 37-88, Chapter 37-88-01

Ohio

Visual Acuity: Unrestricted license requires 20/40 or better in at least one eye, better than 20/200 in each eye individually.
Daytime only: 20/70 or better in at least one eye, better than 20/200 in each eye individually.
If less than 20/200 in one eye: 20/30 or better in fellow eye for unrestricted.
20/60 or better in fellow eye for restricted.
Visual Field: No mention in the regulations.
Bioptic telescopes are permitted to meet visual acuity standards, and many restrictions apply. First year restricted to daytime only. Applicant must complete a driver’s education course using the bioptics before a license is granted.

Driver License Special Case Section, 4501:1-1-33

Oklahoma

Date last verified: Jan 2008

Visual Acuity: 20/40 in the better eye, with or without corrective lenses.
20/100 in the better eye with restrictions
Visual Field: 70 degrees in the horizontal meridian of each eye.
Bioptic telescopes are not permitted to meet visual acuity standards, but may be used for driving.

4. 3. 12 Driver License Examiner

Oregon

Date last verified: Jan 2008

LICENSES ISSUED TO PERSONS WITH A LIMITED VISION CONDITION USING A BIOPTIC TELESCOPIC LENS WILL BE CANCELLED EFFECTIVE JUNE 30, 2008 PENDING REVIEW OF SB728. SB728, WHICH REPEALS THE SUNSET DATE OF 6/30/08, HAS PASSED THE OREGON SENATE AND IS UNDER REVIEW BY THE HOUSE OF DELEGATES.

Visual Acuity: 20/40 in the better eye, with or without corrective lenses. Licenses may be issued to persons with a "limited vision condition" subject to certain restrictions.
Limited Vision Condition: means visual acuity in the better eye with best lens correction that is no better than 20/80 and no worse than 20/200.
Visual Field: 110 degrees in the horizontal meridian except as above for limited vision condition.

735-062-0045, driver safety case management
Enrolled Senate Bill 289 (sb 289-A)

Pennsylvania

Date last verified: Oct 8, 2008

Visual Acuity: 20/40 in the better eye, with or without corrective lenses.
Up to 20/100 combined vision with restrictions
Visual Field: 120 degrees in the horizontal meridian.

In 2005, Pennsylvania began allowing low vision applicants who meet minimum vision standards for consideration of restricted driving privileges to use prescription bioptic lens systems to take the on-road driver’s test. Once licensed, they are now permitted to use a bioptic lens system during driving.

Section 83. 3, Bureau of Driver Licensing

Rhode Island

Date last verified: May 21, 2007

Visual Acuity: 20/40 in the better eye, with or without corrective lenses.
No provisions for less than 20/40 in the better eye.
Visual Field: Minimum of 115 degrees in the horizontal meridian.
For monocular drivers, 40 degrees nasally & 75 degrees temporally.
Bioptic telescopes are not mentioned in the regulations.
Questions on vision reduction must go before the Medical Advisory Board for a decision on licensing.

Operator Control / Medical Review.

South Carolina

Date last verified: May 22, 2007

Visual Acuity: 20/40 in the better eye, with or without corrective lenses.
20/70 in the better eye if worse eye is 20/200 or better; 20/40 if worse eye is worse than 20/200.
Visual Field: Not mentioned in the regulations.
Bioptic telescopes are not permitted to meet visual acuity standards, but may be used for driving.

735-062-0045, driver safety case management

South Dakota

Date last verified: May 1, 2007

Visual Acuity: 20/40 in the better eye, with or without corrective lenses.
20/60 in the better eye with restrictions.
20/70 or less must have a left outside mirror.
Visual Field: No mention in the regulations.
Bioptic telescopes are permitted to achieve the acuity requirements.
A road test with the bioptic is required.

Medical Standards for Drivers’ Licenses, 61:06:01:11

Tennessee

Date last verified: July 2009

Summary

Visual Acuity Restrictions
20/40 or better — None (unless corrective lenses are right eye and left eye needed to achieve visual acuity)
20/40 or better one eye * Corrective lenses (if applicable)
20/60 to blind other eye: Outside rear-view mirrors
20/60 or better — * Corrective lenses (if applicable) right eye and left eye Outside rear-view mirrors
*NOTE: These persons shall be required to supply the eye statement provided by the Department and completed by a licensed ophthalmologist or optometrist.
Applicants failing to meet any of the above standards shall be failed
Low Vision Guidelines (Bioptic Lens and/or Telescopic Lens Wearer). Applicants for Class D, PD, or H licenses who are handicapped by low vision acuity, but who otherwise qualify for a driving privilege may be licensed under the following guidelines:

Qualifications:

1. The applicant shall have acceptable mobility.
2. The applicant shall be free of all mental impairments.
3. Prior to application, the bioptic wearer shall complete training in driving with a bioptictelescopic lens(es) from a driving instructor certified in this field.

Requirements:

1. The applicant shall have a visual acuity of at least 20/200 with the best conventional non- telescopic corrective lens(es), and a full visual field. The central field vision loss shall not exceed five (5) degrees.
2. The applicant’s visual acuity with the bioptic telescope shall be at least 20/60. The power of the bioptic telescope shall not exceed four powers (4x). The bioptic telescopic lens(es) may be fit either monocularly or binocularly, but shall be located superior to the normal line of gaze.
3. The applicant shall have a horizontal visual field diameter of no less than one hundred fifty (150) degrees without the use of field expanders.
4. The applicant shall present certification of having completed training in the use of a bioptic telescope for driving purposes. This certification shall be obtained from an optometrist or ophthalmologist identified by a recognized professional organization as one especially qualified in the field of Low Vision care or, from a Certified Rehabilitation Person.
5. This course must have been completed while the applicant was wearing the bioptic telescopic lens(es).
6. The applicant shall present a report from the Low Vision specialist on a form supplied by the Department which contains the following information:
   1. Patient’s vital data;
   2. Date the system was dispensed;
   3. Complete information regarding the visual requirements outlined above;
   4. Diagnosis of the visual condition and an apparent date of onset; and
   5. A statement concerning the stability of the condition (progressive, stable, or undetermined).
7. This report shall not be written until the applicant has used the system at least sixty (60) days, and shall have been conducted within six (6) months of the date of the application.
8. From the initial report date, the applicant shall re-submit annually an updated report.

Types of restrictions:

1. Listed below are restrictions that may or may not be required. Restrictions shall not be limited to the following, but shall include any other restriction deemed necessary by the doctor of the licensee or the advisory board for low vision acuity.
   1. Daylight driving only
   2. Fifty (50) m. p. h. maximum speed
   3. Outside rear-view mirrors (left/right)
   4. Certain area and time restrictions
   5. Occasionally because of a visual defect and its observed affect on the driving performance, restriction may be necessary to a certain area or time.
   6. No interstate driving
2. Basic training requirements:

   The minimum training requirements for wearers of bioptic telescope lens(es) shall include the following:

   1. Locating stationary objects within the telescopic field of view, by aligning the object directly next to the telescopic lens(es), and then moving his/her head and his/her eyes simultaneously to see the object with the telescope.
   2. Locating a moving object in a large field of vision by anticipating future movement, so that by moving his/her head and eyes in a coordinated fashion he/she can locate the moving object within the telescopic field.
   3. Training in brief visual exposure with the deviation of exposure diminished constantly to simulate short-looking time while driving.
   4. Experiencing riding as a passenger in a motor vehicle and also walking, so that he/she has actually experienced moving while objects are changing position.
   5. Training in the use of bioptic-telescopic lens(es) does not entitle the wearer to a driver license. It only assists him/her to qualify on the vision portion of the testing.

Authority: T. C. A. §§55-50-202, 55-50-322, 55-50-410, and 49 C. F. R. §391. 41 (1989). Administrative History: Original rule filed April 8, 1996; effective August 28, 1996.

Texas

Date last verified: Jan 31, 2006

Visual Acuity: 20/50 in the better eye, with or without corrective lenses.
Restrictions begin with vision worse than 20/50, may require comprehensive road test.
Visual Field: No mention in the regulations.
Bioptic telescopes are permitted for driving. Comprehensive road test will be required.

Texas DPS I& P, 85. 07 10-12-92

Utah

Date last verified: May 15, 2007

Visual Acuity: 20/40 in the better eye, with or without corrective lenses.
20/100 in the better eye with restrictions
Visual Field: 120 degrees horizontal and 20 degrees vertical.
Bioptic telescopes are not permitted to meet visual acuity standards.

Utah Driver License Division.

Vermont

Visual Acuity: 20/40 in the better eye, with or without corrective lenses.
Visual Field: 60 degrees external, each eye.
Monocular: 60 degrees external and 60 degrees nasal.
Bioptic telescopes are permitted to meet visual acuity standards, must pass a road test.

APA regulations, Section 8

Virginia

Date last verified: May 31, 2007

Visual Acuity: 20/40 in the better eye, with or without corrective lenses.
20/200 in the better eye with restrictions
Visual Field: 70 degrees or better.
Bioptic telescopes are permitted: 20/200 through carrier, 20/70 through telescope; may be restricted to daylight only but can be lifted after one year.

Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, DL565 (7/89)

Washington

Date last verified: Oct 2007

Visual Acuity: 20/40 in the better eye, with or without corrective lenses.
20/100 in the better eye with restrictions
Visual Field: 110 degrees in the horizontal meridian.
Bioptic telescopes are permitted to meet visual acuity standards.

7. 3 Vision Testing (R/10/97)

Washington D. C.

Date last verified: Oct 8, 2007

Visual Acuity: 20/40 in the better eye, with or without corrective lenses.
20/70 in the better eye requires 140 degree visual field for restricted license.
A license can be issued upon the favorable recommendation of an optometrist or ophthalmologist.
Visual Field: Minimum of 130 degrees in the horizontal meridian.
Between 110 & 130 degrees, with ok Visual Acuity may be approved.
Bioptic telescopes are not mentioned in the regulations.

Regulation No. 72-2, June 24, 1975. 33 DCP 6708.

West Virginia

Date last verified: August 2009

Bioptic Driving Program
Visual Acuity: 20/70 – 20/200 inclusive in the better eye with best standard correction
Visual Field: minimum 120 degrees horizontal; 80 vertical in same eye as used for VA
20/40 minimum through 4X maximum telescope.
No serious color defects
No ocular prognosis likely to deteriorate vision below minimums above.
Full comprehensive eye exam required.

Authority for these requirements based on laws of West Virginia, relating to "Class G" driver’s license.

Wisconsin

Date last verified: May 1, 2007

Visual Acuity: 20/40 in the better eye, with or without corrective lenses.
20/100 in the better eye with restrictions
Visual Field: 70 degrees minimum.
Bioptic telescopes are not permitted to meet visual acuity standards, but may be used for driving.

Wisconsin Department of Transportation, Section 8

Wyoming

Date last verified: Mar 21, 2007

Visual Acuity: 20/40 in the better eye, with or without corrective lenses.
20/100 in the better eye with restrictions
Visual Field: 120 degrees in the horizontal meridian.
Bioptic telescopes are permitted to meet visual acuity standards.
Restricted licenses have been granted to telescopic drivers.
Section 8, Department of Transportation

Canada

Telescopic Lenses

STANDARD: NOT PERMITTED TO HOLD ANY CLASS OF LICENCE.

Exceptional Cases

The loss of some visual functions can be compensated for adequately, particularly in the case of long standing or congenital impairments. When an individual becomes visually impaired, the capacity to drive safely varies with his/her compensatory abilities. As a result, there may be individuals with visual deficits who do not meet the vision standards for driving but who are able to drive safely. On the other hand, there may be individuals with milder deficits who do meet the vision standards but who cannot drive safely.

In these exceptional situations, it is recommended that the individual undergo a special assessment for the fitness to drive. The decision on fitness to drive can only be made by the appropriate licensing authorities. However, it is recommended the following information be taken into consideration:

1. favorable reports from the ophthalmologist or optometrist;
2. good driving record;
3. stability of the condition;
4. no other significant medical contraindications;
5. other references (e. g. professional, employment, etc);
6. assessment by a specialist at a recognized rehabilitation or occupational therapy centre for driver training.

In some cases it may be reasonable to grant a restricted or conditional license to an individual to ensure safe driving. It may also be appropriate to make such permits exclusive to a single class of vehicles