You may recall the WV Legislature this year passed HB 4069 requiring vision screening to renew drivers’ licenses starting January 1, 2009. The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) will send notices October 1, 2008 for those, whose driver license expires in January, 2009--they are now giving a 90-day notice—to encourage preparation for the eye screening. You will begin to see patients in your office who may ask about a vision requirement for their driver’s license.
The State’s minimum requirement is 20/40 in the best eye—with or without corrective lenses. For those with 20/50 or 20/60 vision the rules say the ophthalmologist may recommend if the patient can drive with or without restrictions. Anyone who is beyond 20/60 may be reviewed by the DMV Advisory Council and may have restrictions applied to their license.
Drivers will have one option to avoid the screening test at the DMV--a Vision Report Form--DLAB 2-- completed by their ophthalmologist or optometrist and dated within 90 days of their visit to renew their license. The Vision Report Form is enclosed with this letter and/or you can down load it from our website (www.wveyemd.org) so you can have it available in your office.
Beginning on October 1, 2008, the following notice will be sent from DMV to all drivers who need to renew their licenses:
Effective January 1, 2009, all persons will have to pass the same vision screening given to new drivers before their driver’s license is renewed. See your eye doctor if you have any doubts about your vision before you renew to avoid delays.
Driver's License Vision Screen
Final version of HB 4069
Title 91--Legislative Rule, Series 5--Department of Motor VehiclesDenial, Suspension, Revocation of Driving Privileges