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Some low-vision Oregonians may be able to drive
June 30, 2004 (updated August 2004)
A pilot program that took effect July 1 allows Oregonians using a special set of corrective lenses to apply for limited driving privileges.
Senate Bill 289, sponsored by Sens. Jason Atkinson and Peter Courtney, on behalf of constituents, and passed by the 2003 Legislature, retains Oregon's 20/70 vision standard for obtaining driving privileges. Yet it allows people with limited vision to apply for an instruction permit and driver license if they meet certain requirements.
Based on other states with similar laws, it is estimated that there may be up to 200 people in Oregon eligible for the Legislature's pilot program. Typically, these are individuals who cannot achieve 20/70 vision even with standard glasses or contact lenses, but who can be fitted with and trained to use a special set of lenses, "bioptic telescopic" lenses.
A bioptic telescopic lens is a spectacle-mounted device that magnifies distant objects. The device allows users to alternate between the magnified narrow field of view and the unmagnified wide view by tilting their heads, like traditional bifocal lenses.
Oregon residents might qualify for driving privileges if they have visual acuity between 20/80 and 20/200 that is not expected to deteriorate below that level, a field of vision of at least 120 degrees horizontally and 80 degrees vertically, and who meet all other requirements for driving privileges in Oregon. The pilot will run from July 1, 2004, through June 30, 2008.
Not everyone with vision between 20/80 and 20/200 will be aided by the use of bioptic telescopic lenses. Only a licensed vision specialist can determine if someone's vision meets the requirements of this program.
The program will allow such individuals to drive only during daylight hours, on roadways with speed limits no greater than 45 miles per hour, and only while using bioptic telescopic lenses.
DMV also has authority to add further restrictions, such as limiting a driver to specified routes or times of day.
A growing number of states have programs for licensing drivers with limited vision, with or without required use of bioptic telescopic lenses. Both Washington and California will license drivers down to 20/200 visual acuity without requiring the use of bioptic lenses. Training is not mandatory, but specialized testing is required, and restrictions may apply. Idaho and Nevada have higher visual acuity standards, but allow drivers to use a bioptic lens to meet those standards.
To qualify for the Oregon program, applicants must:
- Submit the required certification from a licensed vision specialist.
- Pass the driving knowledge test for a Class C (regular passenger vehicle) driver license.
- Obtain a special limited-vision-condition instruction permit. The fee is $13.
- Complete a rehabilitation training program in use of the bioptic telescopic lens, and receive a certificate of competency from a rehabilitation training specialist certified by DMV.
- Pass a drive test with a DMV examiner.
- To keep the license, low-vision drivers will be required to submit an updated vision certification and pass a drive test every two years.
Customers who need more information about the program can ask DMV questions at (503) 945-5000 or in Portland (503) 299-9999, or visit DMV online. For information about whether their vision meets the requirements for this program, they should talk to their vision specialist.
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For more information, contact:
DMV Public Affairs
(503) 945-5270
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