Urgent warning for drivers who wear glasses – you could be £1k out of pocket
BRITS who need prescription glasses to drive have been given a warning they could end up being fined £1,000.
They could also be slapped with three penalty points if they break a DVLA rule.
Drivers could be hit with the hefty fine if they are found to be the cause of an accident and weren’t wearing the specs they need to see clearly.
Anyone falling foul of the rule could also see their car insurance policy invalidated.
People who suffer from myopia, or short-sightedness, as well as other eye conditions are obliged to wear their glasses in order to have a clear view of the road.
The DVLA regulations state drivers “must wear glasses or contact lenses every time they drive if they need them to meet the ‘standards of vision for driving‘.”
Motors also have to inform the DVLA if they have any eyesight problem that effects both eyes, or the remaining eye, if a driver only has one, the ChronicleLive reports.
Under the rules, drivers must be able to read, with glasses or contact lenses, if necessary, a car number plate made after September 1, 2001, from 20 metres.
Drivers must also have an adequate field of vision.
Anyone who is unsure if there eyesight meets the standard they are urged to consult an optician immediately.
At the start of a practical driving test, people are required to correctly read a number plat on a parked vehicle.
Anyone failing this test will have their test terminated and it will not continue.
The DVLA will be informed and your licence revoked.
Anyone renewing their driving licence is required to undergo an eyesight examination with the DVSA which will take place at a designated driving test centre.
Those who pass the test will still be required to successfully complete the standard DVSA eyesight test during your subsequent practical driving exam.
Drivers with only one eye are still able to drive as long as they have a full “field of vision” in their other eye.
The DVLA says: “If you have total loss of sight in one eye, you must not have any problem with the field of vision in your other eye.
“If you have any doubt about whether you can meet the relevant standard, get advice from your GP, optician or eye specialist.”
Elsewhere, drivers could be hit with a £1,000 fine if they forget to check a crucial detail on their drivers licence.
A little known Highway Code rule puts drivers at risk of getting a £5,000 fine.
Motorists have also been warned about a little-known parking rule which means they risk a fine of up to £2,500 and a possible driving ban.