Bioptic Laws in Alaska

The use of bioptics is allowed, however the rules are ambiguous.

• A minimum of 20/40 in one eye is required for an unrestricted license.
• The same can be said for spectacles that are only worn when necessary (contacts).
• A report from an eye specialist is required if the best visual acuity in one eye is 20/40 to 20/100 (with or without glasses).
• Requests for licenses are then decided on a case-by-case basis. No license if the best-corrected acuity is less than 20/100.
• A person who wears telescopic or bioptic lenses and has a field of vision of less than 60% will not be awarded a Class D license unless they can meet the visual acuity criteria without the lenses.

Reviewed in sept. 2020

Bioptic Laws in Alabama

• Bioptics are legal to drive with and obtain a driver’s license.
• With the bioptic system, visual acuity has to be 20/60 or better.
• Field of vision: 110 degrees horizontally, 80 degrees vertically.
• Monocular drivers are permitted. There will be some training required.

Those interested in becoming bioptic drivers may contact the Alabama Department of Public Safety in Montgomery for a bioptic driving package after they have a bioptic. Request a bioptic driving package by calling Lt. Terry Chapman or Sgt. Hollifield at (334) 242-3427. The following information is included in the packet:

Bioptic Driving Candidate Checklist

• An ophthalmologist or optometrist must complete a Certificate of Vision Examination.
• A list of Certified Driving Rehabilitation Specialists (CDRS) in Alabama, as well as a list of Low Vision Certified Registered and Licensed Occupational Therapists (OTR/L) in Alabama who have worked in the field for at least one year.
• Assessment form should be filled out by a CDRS (Certified Driving Rehabilitation Specialist).
• Your local Department of Public Safety Driver Licensing office must complete a Bioptic Lens Waiver.
• An Occupational Therapist (OTR/L) must complete a Certification of Completion of Adequate Training in Bioptic Use.
• Reviewed 8/2021 however the material hasn’t been updated on the Alabama state website since 2005

Bioptic Laws in Arkansas

• In some circumstances, bioptics may be permitted, but the rules are ambiguous.
• Visual acuity must be at least 20/40 uncorrected for an unrestricted license and 20/50 for a restricted license.
• People with binocular vision and visual acuity of 20/60 will be limited to just driving during the day.
• A person with two eyes must have a field of vision of 140 degrees, while a person with one eye must have a field of vision of 105 degrees.
• Reviewed 11/2020

Bioptic Laws in Arizona

• For Driving and Licensure, Bioptics are permitted.
• Minimum visual acuity of 20/40 in one eye is necessary.
• Binocular vision and visual acuity of 20/60 will be limited to daytime driving only.
• In at least one eye, the field of vision must be 70 degrees, plus 35 degrees on the opposite side of the nose.

Supp. 08-4 Page 28 December 31, 2008 RESTRICTIONS Title 17, Chapter 4 Department of Transportation – Title, Registration, and Driver Licenses – Arizona Administrative Code.

If corrective lenses are required to satisfy the visual requirements stated in a paragraph, a person with corrected vision must wear them at all times while driving (B). An individual with diagnosed poor night vision must be limited to daylight driving exclusively, according to the Division.

• The Division should limit daytime driving to a person with binocular vision and corrected or uncorrected visual acuity of 20/50 or 20/60 when using both eyes.
• The Division will not issue a license to anyone who has monocular vision and visual acuity of 20/50 or better.
• A person having a binocular vision and visual acuity of 20/70 or more shall not be licensed by the Divison.

Bioptic Telescope Glasses

A bioptic telescopic lens system may be used during vision screening.

• A person utilizing a bioptic telescopic lens system must submit to the Division an annual exam done by a physician or optometrist to determine if the individual has a progressive eye condition beginning on the date of the original application and every year afterwards.
• The Division must not license a person who uses a bioptic telescopic lens system unless the person provides to the Division a written declaration from a physician or an optometrist stating that the individual fulfills the visual acuity criterion specified in paragraph (B).
• The Division will not license anyone who uses a bioptic telescopic lens system with a lens magnification of greater than 4X.
• 7 A.A.R. 3479, effective July 20, 2001, new section recodified from R17-4-521 (Supp. 01-3). Final regulation at 12 A.A.R. 221, effective January 10, 2006, was amended (Supp. 06-1).

Bioptic Laws in California

• Driving with bioptics is permitted.
• Although the California standards are ambiguous, bioptic drivers have been licensed in the state for many years.
• A driver’s license will not be issued if their best-corrected visual acuity in their better eye is 20/200 or worse, as determined by an optometrist or ophthalmologist.
• To fulfill the 20/200 visual acuity standards, no one may utilize a bioptic telescope or equivalent lenses.

Additional assessment techniques are available through a new pilot program in Northern California. This covers any physical impairments that may impair safe driving, as well as a cognitive exercise that requires you to recall your social security number or zip code in writing if you have never been awarded one. If you don’t do well on the traditional exams or the new assessment tools, you’ll be tested for contrast sensitivity and a Perceptual Response test.

July 2009 was the most recent review.

Bioptic Laws in Colorado

• Bioptics are legal to use while driving and passing a vision test.
• With or without corrective glasses, visual acuity in the better eye is 20/40.
• If the worse eye is 20/200 or better, the better eye is 20/70; if the worse eye is worse than 20/200, the better eye is 20/40.
• There are no visual field limits under the rule.
• Form 2401, Colorado Motor Vehicle Division, Motor Vehicle Law 42-2-111 Driver License Services, must be completed by the doctor.

1/2021 was the most recent review.

Bioptic Laws in Connecticut

The last time this information was confirmed was in November of 2020.

1. An unrestricted operator’s license will be granted or renewed if the applicant or license holder satisfies the following aesthetic standards:
2. A minimum visual acuity of 20/40 (Snellen) or similar in both eyes or in the better eye, with or without corrective glasses;
3. A horizontal meridian binocular visual field of at least 140 degrees, or a horizontal meridian monocular field of at least 100 degrees; and
4. There is no evidence of any other visual condition(s) that alone or in combination, would substantially impair driving ability.
5. A person with a best-corrected visual acuity of less than 20/40 in the better eye but at least 20/70 in the worse eye, an uninterrupted visual field of not less than 100 degrees in the horizontal meridian, and no other visual condition(s) that will significantly impair driving ability, alone or in combination, may be issued an operator’s license.
6. If the applicant or license holder has a visual acuity of no less than 20/70 (Snellen) or equivalent in the better eye, with or without corrective lenses, and has an uninterrupted binocular visual field of at least 100 degrees in the horizontal meridian, or a monocular field of at least 70 degrees in the horizontal meridian, the commissioner may waive the provisions of subsections (a) and (b) of this section. The person’s driving record and accident record will be considered. If it is not otherwise required, the commissioner may request that the individual undergo an on-the-road driving test, and the results of the test will be considered to decide whether a waiver will be granted.
7. After considering the person’s vision, driving ability, driving needs, and other relevant factors, including the commissioner’s opinion, a person with a best-corrected visual acuity of better than 20/200 in the better eye and an uninterrupted visual field of at least 100 degrees in the horizontal meridian may be issued an operator’s license with such limitation(s) as the commissioner deems appropriate. In accordance with Sections 14-45a-10 through 14-45a-17 of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies, the person may be required to take an on-the-road driving test, and the medical advisory board’s opinion may be sought to determine whether a license should be issued and, if so, what restrictions should be placed on it.
8. An operator’s license shall not be issued or retained to any person who has a best-corrected visual acuity of 20/200 (Snellen) or worse in the better eye, or who has an uninterrupted binocular visual field of less than 100 degrees in the horizontal meridian, or an uninterrupted monocular visual field of less than 70 degrees in the horizontal meridian, or who has any other visual condition.

Bioptic Laws in Delaware

• Bioptics are legal for driving and passing the license exam.
• Visual acuity: 20/40 in the better eye, with or without corrective lenses, unrestricted license. 20/50 restricted license for driving during the day.
• There are no visual field restrictions.
• Each case is dealt with individually, as long as the applicant passes all of the driving tests.

Dec 2020 last reviewed

Bioptic Laws in Florida

• Bioptics permit you to drive, but not to pass the driver’s license exam.
• Visual acuity: 20/70 in both eyes with or without corrective lenses is required. Monocular people need 20/40 vision in their functional eyes.
• Minimum Visual Field: 130 degrees.
• Bioptic Telescopes aren’t considered to be up to snuff when it comes to visual requirements.
• With or without prescription lenses, each eye must have a vision of 20/70 or greater.

1/2021 was the most recent review.

Bioptic Laws in Georgia

• Bioptics are legal for driving and passing the license exam.
• Visual acuity: 20/60 in both eyes with or without corrective lenses is required.
• With various restrictions, Bioptic Telescope Lenses are allowed for best-corrected carrier lens acuity as low as 20/200.
• If two eyes are used, the visual field must be at least 140 degrees. If monocular, at least 70 degrees temporally and 50 degrees nasally are required.

1/2021 was the most recent review.

Bioptic Laws in Hawaii

• Bioptics are legal to drive, but not for the purpose of taking the driver’s license exam.
• With or without corrective glasses, visual acuity in the better eye is 20/40.
• There is no provision for anything less than 20/40.
• Visual Field: A person with two eyes must have a field of vision of 140 degrees, while a person with one eye must have a field of vision of 70 degrees.

9/2015 was the most recent review.

Bioptic Laws in Idaho

• Bioptics are legal for driving and passing the license exam.
• No restrictions; Visual acuity: 20/40 in the better eye, with or without corrective glasses; Annual Testing and Road Test: 20/50 – 20/60; Denied 20/70
• There are no visual fields defined.
• It is acceptable to utilize bioptic telescopes. The acuity level must be at least 20/40.
• A visual and road test is necessary once a year. Only use natural light.

12/2020 was the most recent review.

Bioptic Laws in Illinois

• Bioptic are allowed to drive and pass the driver’s license test.
• With or without corrective glasses, visual acuity in the better eye is 20/40.
• Restricted license: 20/70 in the better eye (daylight only).
• In the better eye, 20/100, and using a bioptic telescope, 20/40.
• The type and power of telescopes are restricted in some ways.
• A person with two eyes must have a 140-degree field of vision. Monocular vision is at 70 degrees temporally and 35 degrees nasally.

Some people who use telescopic lenses may be eligible for a driver’s license if they meet the following requirements when driving in daylight. If you are a first-time telescopic lens user who has not taken the first road test, the Secretary of State’s office will contact you after receiving your Vision Specialist Report to arrange a road exam. All telescopic lens users are required to submit a Vision Specialist Report once a year. The Secretary of State’s office will give you a Vision Specialist Report in advance if you have previously completed a form. Users using telescopic lenses must satisfy the following visual requirements:

• Acuity readings through the carrier lenses must be 20/100 or greater in both eyes.
• Acuity measures taken via the lenses must be 20/40 or greater in both eyes.
• 140 degrees binocular or 70 degrees temporal and 35 degrees nasal monocular are required for peripheral readings.
• You must have been fitted for a prescription spectacle mounted telescopic lens system and have had it for at least 60 days prior to the driver’s license application date.
• The lenses must have a maximum magnification of 3.0X wide angle or 2.2X standard.
• Telescopic lens wearers must also submit a Vision Specialist Report along with a written request that includes their name, address, date of birth, and driver’s license number. You must also meet the following criteria:

1. Have a valid driver’s license and have used telescopic lenses to operate a motor vehicle during daylight hours for a period of 12 months.
2. Have a driving record free of traffic accidents that happened during the nighttime hours and for which you were at fault in the 12 months prior to applying for a nighttime license.
3. Complete a nighttime road assessment with flying colors.

12/2020 was the most recent review.

Bioptic Laws in Indiana

• Bioptic are allowed to drive and pass the driver’s license test.
• With or without corrective glasses, visual acuity in the better eye is 20/40.
• Restricted license daytime only for 20/50 in the superior eye.
• Daytime only, 20/70 in each eye with the best correction.
• The horizontal visual field must be at least 120 degrees.
• Bioptics are allowed with various restrictions, bioptics can be used for best-corrected acuity as low as 20/200. With a telescope, visual acuity must exceed 20/40. (any 4X bioptic or with 5.5X Beecher or others by approval of the BMV).
• Color vision is sufficient to recognize traffic lights.
• Eye health is stable, and you have a positive mental attitude.
• Driver educator evaluation and BMV medical review board approval
• 30 hours of driver training and a passing score on an extended road test are required.
• With a night driving evaluation, you can get night driving on a case-by-case basis.

July 2009 was the most recent review.

Bioptic Laws in Iowa

• Bioptics aren’t allowed.
• With or without corrective glasses, visual acuity in the better eye is 20/40.
• Restricted license 20/50 in the better eye (daylight only).
• Restricted license: 20/70 in the better eye (daylight only, up to 35 mph).
• There is no constraint on the visual field of 140 degrees. Certain limits apply between 115 and 140 degrees.
• Visual acuity criteria are not allowed for bioptic telescopes.

July 2009 was the most recent review.

Bioptic Laws in Kansas

• Bioptics are legal for driving and passing the license exam.
• With or without corrective glasses, visual acuity in the better eye should be between 20/20 and 20/50. A drive test of 20/50 to 20/100 is required. Driver Review must approve 20/100 – 20/400. MAB or the Director must approve acuity 20/400 or lower.
• Test driving is required if the visual field is less than 110 degrees.
• Monocular driver: if the angle is less than 55 degrees, a test drive is required.
• For Bioptic users, a vision form is necessary, as is an annual report. A drive test based on acuity through carrier lenses is also required. A doctor must certify that the candidate is fit to take the driving test.

July 2009 was the most recent review.

Bioptic Laws in Kentucky

• Bioptics are legal for driving and passing the license exam.
• To be accepted into a certified driver training program, you must have 20/200 vision in your better eye with corrective glasses. The bioptic telescope should provide a visual acuity of 20/60.
• In the same eye, the visual field is 120 degrees horizontally and 80 degrees vertically.
• Other limits may apply, however, if the licensed driver drives for 36 months without any at-fault accidents or license suspensions, the restrictions may be lifted.
• Rehab for behind-the-wheel driving is essential.
• A certified driver training program must provide the motorist with additional examination and training specifically geared for night driving. After passing a night driving rehabilitation evaluation, night driving privileges may be awarded.
• The program is run in collaboration with the Department of the Blind.

July 2009 was the most recent review.

Bioptic Laws in Louisiana

• Bioptic are allowed to drive and pass the driver’s license test.
• With or without corrective glasses, visual acuity in the better eye is 20/40.
• A bioptic driver’s vision in one eye must be at least 20/200. With the bioptic telescope, 20/60. A driver must have completed 30 hours of behind-the-wheel instruction. A report from an optometrist or an ophthalmologist is required. Pass the driving exam.
• Field of vision: 110 degrees Horizontal orientation (if monocular: 40 temporal & 30 nasal)
• Restriction “E”: no motorcycles or scooters; no nighttime or inclement weather.

July 2009 was the most recent review.

Bioptic Laws in Maine

Bioptics are allowed. (Revised in 2013)

Sec. 1: The Secretary of State’s rules on telescopic or bioptic lenses are to be amended. Resolved: That the Bureau of Motor Vehicles, Department of the Secretary of State, hereafter referred to as “the bureau,” alter its rules defining the standards for assessing a person’s physical, emotional, and mental competency to operate a motor vehicle. For the sake of meeting any of the visual acuity standards in its rules and during any step of the driver’s license examination procedure for a Class C license, the bureau shall authorize the use of telescopic or bioptic corrective glasses.

SUMMARY

The Secretary of State’s Bureau of Motor Vehicles is directed to alter its rules establishing the requirements for determining a person’s physical, emotional, and mental competence to operate a motor vehicle. The law directs the bureau to allow the use of telescopic or bioptic corrective lenses to meet any of the bureau’s visual acuity standards and during any step of the Class C license driver’s examination procedure.

2016 was the last time it was reviewed.

Bioptic Laws in Maryland

• Driving with bioptic is legal.
• With or without corrective glasses, visual acuity is 20/40 in each eye.
• Visual Field: A 140-degree continuous field of view.
• Restricted license: a minimum of 110-degree fields with at least 35 degrees lateral to the middle of each side and up to 20/70 in one or both eyes.
• The treatment of VAs with a score of 20/100 is done on a case-by-case basis.

July 2009 was the most recent review.

Bioptic Laws in Massachusetts

• Bioptics are allowed with some restrictions.
• Visual acuity: unconstrained, 20/40 in the better eye with or without corrective glasses; 120 degree field; must be able to discern red, green, and amber colors
• 20/70 with the better eye, with or without corrective lenses; 120-degree field; identify red/green/amber colors
• With bioptic, the VF/Color criteria are the same: 20/40 through the telescope, 20/100 through the carrier, and the same VF/Color requirements. The opposite eye should have a vision of at least 20/100.

July 2009 was the most recent review.

Bioptic Laws in Michigan

• Bioptics are legal for driving and passing the license exam.
• With or without corrective glasses, visual acuity in the better eye is 20/40.
• With constraints, 20/70 in the better eye (daylight only).
• If you have progressive eye abnormalities or disorders, your vision will be 20/60.
• Field of View: 140-degree binocular field of view
• With restraints, the binocular field of view is between 90 and 140 degrees.
• Bioptic telescopes are allowed to meet vision acuity requirements.
• It is necessary to have the driver training certified.

July 2009 was the most recent review.

Bioptic Laws in Minnesota

• On a case-by-case basis, bioptics are approved.
• With or without corrective glasses, visual acuity in the better eye is 20/40.
• With speed limitations, 20/70 in the better eye. Applicants are referred to the driver evaluation unit if their VA is 20/80 or higher, but not exceeding 20/100. The applicant is denied a license because he or she has a vision of 20/100 in the better eye.
• Visual Field: 105 degrees horizontal field of view. With constraints, a horizontal field of vision of fewer than 105 degrees is conceivable.
• Although bioptic telescopes are not specifically stated in the regulations, they appear to be permitted. The doctor must put “bioptic lenses” on the vision report form if the applicant meets the minimum standards. It is necessary to take a road test.

July 2009 was the most recent review.

Bioptic Laws in Mississippi

• Bioptics are legal for driving and passing the license exam.
• Best visual acuity: 20/200 Corrected without the use of a telescope, 20/50 with the use of a telescope.
• A visual field of at least 150 degrees is required.
• Bioptic Telescopes: Maximum telescopic power is 4X.
• There are restrictions on who can prescribe and who can fit. A letter from an optometrist or ophthalmologist is required, as are some training requirements.

July 2009 was the most recent review.

Bioptic Laws in Missouri

• However, bioptic telescopes are not authorized during the vision test. They are acceptable for usage during the road test.
• Visual acuity: The vision standard is 20/40 acuity or greater in either eye or both eyes, with or without correction, and temporal horizontal peripheral vision of 55 degrees or better in each eye.
• If the applicant’s vision is less than 20/40 in one eye and less than 85 degrees temporal horizontal peripheral vision in the other, he or she will be directed to a vision specialist for a thorough vision exam and will be expected to bring the results back to the licensing office.
• Corrective lenses and daylight driving are the sole options for applicants with acuities between 20/41 and 20/59 in either eye or both eyes.
• Corrective lens limits apply to applicants with acuity between 20/60 and 20/74 in either eye or both eyes with corrective lenses, as well as daylight driving only and a maximum speed of 45 miles per hour. Points of operation, hours of operation, and any other driving conditions deemed essential may also be restricted.
• A Driver Condition Report will be completed by the Licensing Employee for an applicant with an acuity reading between 20/75 and 20/160, and the applicant will be referred to the Highway Patrol Examiners to complete the appropriate skills test.
• Applicants with vision of 20/161 or less, as well as those with a total horizontal peripheral vision reading of less than 70, are denied a Missouri driver’s license. Unrestricted: 20/40 in the better eye, corrective lenses or not. Restricted: in the better eye, up to 20/160.
• Visual Field: 55 degrees or better in both eyes; 85 degrees in one eye is subject to limits.

July 2009 was the most recent review.

Bioptic Laws in Montana

• Bioptics are legal for driving and passing the license exam.
• With or without corrective glasses, visual acuity in the better eye is 20/40.
• With constraints on lighting and speed, 20/40 to 20/70 in the better eye.
• 20/100 in the better eye: if a need is demonstrated, a restricted license may be granted.
• There are no requirements for the visual field.

July 2009 was the most recent review.

Bioptic Laws in North Carolina

The use of bioptic telescopes is permitted. Drivers are required to:

• Demonstrate a visual acuity of at least 20/200 in one or both eyes and a field of vision of at least 70 degrees horizontal vision with or without corrective carrier lenses, or if the person only has a vision in one eye, at least 40 degrees temporal and 30 degrees nasal horizontal vision.
• The driver must be able to see 20/70 or better through the bioptic telescope during daylight hours only (s).
• To drive at night, the motorist must have 20/40 vision or better through the bioptic telescope(s) and a certificate from their optometrist or ophthalmologist saying that they have acceptable vision to drive safely at night.
• The driver must successfully complete a Division of Motor Vehicles-mandated behind-the-wheel training and evaluation program (DMV). (Applicants who have already completed a behind-the-wheel training and evaluation program as a condition of license in another state are exempt from this requirement.)
• You must pass a road test. (For new residents who are already licensed in another state that demands a driving test, this requirement is waived.)

Bioptic Laws in North Dakota

• Bioptics are legal for driving and passing the license exam.
• North Dakota has a complicated set of limits dependent on each eye’s visual acuity. With or without corrective glasses, visual acuity in the better eye is 20/40. To receive a restricted license, one eye must be 20/60 or better. 20/70 in the better eye, with speed limit restrictions. The worse eye must have a vision of 20/100 or better.
• Field of View: 105-degree binocular field of vision Restricted binocular field of vision between 110 and 140 degrees.
• Bioptic telescopes are allowed to meet the following visual acuity requirements: Full peripheral field; 20/130 in a carrier, 20/40 in a telescope.

July 2009 was the most recent review.

Bioptic Laws in Nebraska

Nebraska passed a statute allowing bioptic driving in 1990. There are no restrictions on the scopes’ power when driving. Furthermore, the carrier lenses have no minimum acuity requirement. To be given a license, a motorist must have a combined vision of 20/60 via the scopes. The driver’s ability to drive during the day or at night is determined by his or her vision.

May 2016 was the most recent review.

Bioptic Laws in Nevada

• Bioptics are legal for driving and passing the license exam.
• With or without corrective glasses, visual acuity in the better eye is 20/40.
• Visual Field: 140 degrees binocular field of vision.
• Bioptic telescopes are allowed to meet the following visual acuity requirements: Via the telescope, 20/40; through the carrier, 20/120; visual field of 130 degrees.
• Restricted binocular field of vision between 110 and 140 degrees.

July 2009 was the most recent review.

Bioptic Laws in New Hampshire

• Bioptics are not allowed.
• With or without corrective glasses, visual acuity in the better eye is 20/40.
• With constraints, 20/70 in the better eye.
• Field of View: (undetermined).
• The guidelines make no mention of bioptic telescopes.

July 2009 was the most recent review.

Bioptic Laws in New Jersey

• Bioptics aren’t allowed.
• With or without corrective lenses, visual acuity in the better eye is 20/50.
• Any VA who fails to achieve that criterion is referred to the Medical Review Board.
• They may ask the patient’s eye doctor to supply relevant information on the patient’s eyesight and ocular health.
• Visual Field: The regulations make no mention of this.
• The rule does not mention bioptic telescopes as a way to meet visual acuity requirements.

July 2009 was the most recent review.

Bioptic Laws in New Mexico

• Bioptics are allowed to drive, but not to pass the driver’s license test.
• With or without corrective glasses, visual acuity in the better eye is 20/40.
• With constraints, 20/80 in the better eye.
• Visual Field: 120 degrees in the horizontal meridian, including at least 30 degrees in one eye’s nasal field.

July 2009 was the most recent review.

Bioptic Laws in New York

• Bioptics are legal for driving and passing the license exam.
• Minimum best corrected 20/40 in one eye with or without spectacles; 20/40 to 20/70 best corrected in one eye requires a horizontal visual field of at least 140 degrees.
• A minimum of 140-degree horizontal visual field plus 20/40 with a bioptic system is required for 20/80 to 20/100 best corrected in one eye.
• It is necessary to receive training in the use of the bioptic.

July 2009 was the most recent review.

Bioptic Laws in Ohio

• Bioptics are legal for driving and passing the license exam.
• Visual acuity: For an unrestricted license, at least one eye must be 20/40 or better, and each eye must be better than 20/200.
• Only throughout the day: At least one eye must be 20/70 or better, and each eye must be better than 20/200. If one eye is less than 20/200, the other eye must be 20/30 or better for unrestricted vision. For restricted, 20/60 or better in the other eye is required.
• Visual Field: The regulations make no mention of it.
• Many limits apply to bioptic telescopes that must meet visual acuity standards. The first year is only available during the day. Before a license is issued, the applicant must finish a driver’s education course utilizing bioptics. Driving at night is an option.

July 2009 was the most recent review.

Bioptic laws in Oklahoma

• Bioptics are not allowed as of Dec 2020
• Color vision requirement Type of road test Restricted licenses

Visual Acuity:

Each eye with/without correction: 20/60
Both eyes with/without correction: 20/60
If one eye blind—other with/without correction: 20/50
Absolute visual acuity minimum: 20/100 in the better eye with restrictions.
Are bioptic telescopes allowed? No. Laws do not allow for consideration of licensing or restrictions.
Minimum field requirement: 70 ̊ in the horizontal meridian with both eyes together.
Visual field testing device: Not specified.
Type of road course: Non-fixed course.

Restrictions are based on physician recommendations and can include daylight driving only, speed limitations, or local driving only.

Bioptic Laws in Oregon

Bioptics are legal for driving and passing the license exam.

With or without corrective glasses, visual acuity in the better eye is 20/40. Persons with a “restricted visual condition” may be granted a license, but only under specified conditions. Visual acuity in the better eye with best lens correction of no better than 20/80 and no worse than 20/200 is referred to as limited vision condition.
Except in the case of restricted vision, the visual field is 110 degrees in the horizontal meridian.

Visual acuity in the better eye is no better than 20/80 and no worse than 20/200 with the best lens correction; Has no ocular diagnosis or prognosis that could cause the person’s corrected vision to deteriorate below a 20/200 level of visual acuity; has a visual field of at least 120 degrees horizontally and 80 degrees vertically; and has a visual field of at least 120 degrees horizontally and 80 degrees vertically. When driving a car, employing a bioptic telescopic lens would be beneficial.

A pilot program for nighttime driving began on January 1, 2008, and will run until June 30, 2011. When the person completes the following stages, the daylight limitation will be lifted:

Provides a certificate from a rehabilitation training specialist stating that the person has successfully completed nighttime training and can safely operate a motor vehicle at night; and 3. Is examined by a vision specialist who indicates on a report submitted to DMV that the person’s vision does not prohibit the ability to safely operate a motor vehicle at night.

July 2009 was the most recent review.

Pennsylvania bioptic driving laws

Note: Pennsylvania’s bioptic driving regulations have been updated and are currently being completed as of summer 2021; once the new laws are ready, we will provide an update to our website.

Bioptic Laws in Rhode Island

• The state of bioptic driving is unknown.
• With or without corrective glasses, visual acuity in the better eye is 20/40.
• There are no allowances for vision less than 20/40 in the better eye.
• In the horizontal meridian, the visual field must be at least 115 degrees.
• 40 degrees nasally and 75 degrees temporally for monocular drivers.
• Although bioptic telescopes are not officially mentioned, questions about vision degradation may be brought before the Medical Advisory Board for a license decision.

July 2009 was the most recent review.

Bioptic Laws in South Dakota

• Bioptics are legal for driving and passing the license exam.
• With or without corrective glasses, visual acuity in the better eye is 20/40.
• With constraints, 20/60 in the better eye. A left outside mirror must be installed for 20/70 or less.
• Visual Field: The regulations make no mention of it.
• The use of bioptic telescopes to meet the acuity standards is permitted.
• It is necessary to conduct a road test using the bioptic.

July 2009 was the most recent review.

Bioptic Laws in South Carolina

• Bioptics are allowed for driving, but not for taking a driver’s license test.
• With or without corrective glasses, visual acuity in the better eye is 20/40.
• If the worse eye is 20/200 or better, the better eye is 20/70; if the worse eye is worse than 20/200, the better eye is 20/40.
• Visual Field: This is an unaddressed issue.

July 2009 was the most recent review.

The last time this information was confirmed was in December 2020.

The use of bioptic telescopes to meet the acuity standards is permitted.

(a) has improved visual acuity of at least 20/40 in the better functioning eye when looking through the carrier lens of a bioptic telescopic aid

(b) has a binocular horizontal visual field diameter of not less than 120 degrees and a vertical field of not less than 80 degrees without using the bioptic telescopic aid

(c) has a binocular horizontal visual field diameter of not less than 120 degrees and a vertical field of not less than 80 degrees with If the applicant is monocular, the horizontal visual field must be at least seventy degrees temporally and thirty-five degrees nasally

(d) has signed permission from an optometrist or ophthalmologist to apply for driving privileges with a bioptic telescope

(e) has successfully completed an In-Clinic Pre-Driver Bioptic Evaluation and Training Program as described in subsection (C) that was proctored

(g)driving only during daylight hours

(h) a top speed of fifty miles per hour

(I)no interstate highway driving. Driver safety case management, 735-062-0045

Bioptic Laws in Tennessee

• Bioptics are legal for driving and passing the license exam.
• With or without corrective glasses, visual acuity in the better eye is 20/40.
• With constraints, 20/60 in the better eye. 20/200 in the better eye necessitate the use of a bioptic telescope; 20/60 is possible with the telescope.
• In the horizontal meridian, the visual field is 150 degrees.
• With a few exceptions, bioptic telescopes are allowed to meet visual acuity standards.

July 2009 was the most recent review.

Bioptic Laws in Texas

• Bioptics are legal for driving and passing the license exam.
• With or without corrective lenses, visual acuity in the better eye is 20/50.
• Restrictions begin with eyesight worse than 20/50, and a thorough road test may be required.
• Visual Field: The regulations make no mention of it.

July 2009 was the most recent review.

Bioptic Laws in Utah

• Bioptics aren’t allowed.
• With or without corrective glasses, visual acuity in the better eye is 20/40.
• With limits, 20/100 in the better eye.
• Horizontal field of vision is 120 degrees, and the vertical field of vision is 20 degrees.
• Visual acuity criteria are not allowed for bioptic telescopes.

July 2009 was the most recent review.

Bioptic Laws in Vermont

• Bioptics are legal for driving and passing the license exam.
• With or without corrective glasses, visual acuity in the better eye is 20/40.
• External visual field: 60 degrees for each eye. 60 degrees external and 60 degrees nasal, monocular.
• Bioptic telescopes are allowed to meet vision acuity requirements. It is necessary to do a behind-the-wheel road test.

July 2009 was the most recent review.

Bioptic Laws in Virginia

• Bioptic are allowed to drive and pass the driver’s license test. With or without corrective glasses, visual acuity in the better eye is 20/40.
• With limits, 20/200 in the better eye.
• The visual field should be at least 70 degrees.
• Bioptic driving: 20/200 through a carrier, 20/70 through a telescope; may be limited to daylight only for the first year, but maybe lifted.

July 2009 was the most recent review.

Bioptic Laws in Washington State

• Bioptics are legal for driving and passing the license exam.
• With or without corrective glasses, visual acuity in the better eye is 20/40.
• With limits, 20/100 in the better eye.
• The horizontal meridian is 110 degrees in the visual field.

July 2009 was the most recent review.

Bioptic Laws in Washington, D.C.

• Bioptics aren’t allowed.
• With or without corrective glasses, visual acuity in the better eye is 20/40.
• For a restricted license, 20/70 in the better eye requires a 140-degree visual field. On the recommendation of an optometrist or ophthalmologist, a license can be issued.
• In the horizontal meridian, the visual field must be at least 130 degrees.
• With appropriate optical acuity, between 110 and 130 degrees may be authorized.

July 2009 was the most recent review.

Bioptic Laws in West Virginia

• For driving and licensure, bioptics are permitted.
• With or without corrective lenses, visual acuity in the better eye is 20/60. If the better eye’s vision is less than 20/60, an optometrist or ophthalmologist must pronounce the ability to be safe.
• In the better functional eye, distance visual acuity of between 20/70 and 20/200 inclusive, with the best standard spectacle or contact lens correction;
• In the same eye, a visual field of at least 120 degrees horizontally and 80 degrees vertically or better is required to determine visual acuity.
• Using a bioptic device with no more than a 4X powered telescope prescribed by a professional optometrist or ophthalmologist, 20/40 or better distance visual acuity in the better functioning eye;
• Color vision is adequate to detect the presence or change in the color of traffic lights, pavement markings, road signs, turn indications, brake lights, emergency flashers, or the presence of other road users, including emergency vehicles;
• No eye diagnosis or prognosis that is expected to cause considerable vision degeneration below the protocol visual acuity and visual field standards;
• Head, neck, and eye movements are all normal.

July 2009 was the most recent review.

Bioptic Laws in Wisconsin

• Bioptics are permitted to drive, but not for the purpose of obtaining a driver’s license.
• With or without corrective glasses, visual acuity in the better eye is 20/40.
• With limits, 20/100 in the better eye.
• The minimum visual field of 70 degrees.

July 2009 was the most recent review.

Bioptic Laws in Wyoming

• Bioptics are allowed to drive and apply for licenses.
• With or without corrective glasses, visual acuity in the better eye is 20/40.
• With limits, 20/100 in the better eye.
• The horizontal meridian is 120 degrees in the visual field.

July 2009 was the most recent review.

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