Driving Rules: NY, PA, & ON
Low Vision Optometry of Western New York and Dr. Kornfeld have helped many people with vision loss retain and regain their driving privileges in New York, Pennsylvania, and Ontario, Canada. The specialized glasses prescribed by Dr. Kornfeld can improve vision up to 3 or 4 times and allow a person to be a safer and more confident driver with better vision.
New York Driving Rules
Vision requirements & restrictions
FROM THE NEW YORK DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES WEBSITE
updated 9/27/2022
You must pass a vision test when you apply for a driver license or to renew your license. The test must show that you have visual acuity of at least 20/40 (based on the Snellen Visual Acuity Scale) in either or both eyes, with or without corrective lenses.
You may take a vision test at a DMV office or your vision test results may be submitted to DMV
electronically by a vision care provider enrolled in the DMV Online Vision Registry (search by ZIP Code for an enrolled provider), or
by a Vision Test Report (PDF) (MV-619) 1 completed by a physician, physician’s assistant, ophthalmologist, optometrist (such as Dr. Kornfeld,) optician, registered nurse, or nurse professional.
If you are mailing or submitting a Vision Test Report to DMV. It must be completed in English.
Restrictions related to driver vision
If your eye exam indicates you must wear corrective lenses to pass the vision test, a “B” restriction will be placed on your driver’s license or learner permit.
There are also restrictions for drivers with low vision.
Telescopic lenses – Telescopic lenses are corrective lenses that are much more powerful than normal eyeglasses or contact lenses. If you need telescopic lens to pass a vision test, you must send a completed Eye Test Report for Medical Review Unit (PDF) form (MV-80L) to DMV’s Medical Review Unit (MRU). A “TELESCOPIC LENSES” restriction will be placed on your driver’s license or learner permit. If you no longer need telescopic lenses, you can submit a new form MV-80L to remove the restriction.
Daylight driving only – If an eye care professional indicates that your vision at night is impaired, a “DAYLIGHT DRIVING ONLY” restriction will be added your driver’s license or learner permit.
How to remove a CORRECTIVE LENSES restriction
You must prove that you can pass a vision test without corrective lenses.
Remove the restriction online
You can remove the restriction online if your vision test provider is enrolled in the DMV Online Vision Registry.
Once an enrolled provider electronically notifies us that you can pass a vision test without corrective lenses, the restriction will be removed when you renew your license online.
Remove the restriction at a DMV office
When you renew or replace your DMV document at an office, you can take a vision test there or prove that you have meet our vision requirements by providing a Vision Test Report (PDF) (MV-619) completed by a qualified eye care provider. 2
If your vision care provider is enrolled in the DMV Online Vision Registry and has submitted your vision test results electronically to DMV, you will not need to submit proof or take a vision test.
Remove the restriction by mail
If you want to remove a CORRECTIVE LENS restriction before it is time to renew your driver’s license, you must obtain proof that you do not need corrective lenses and order a replacement document. Proof can be submitted to DMV
electronically by a vision care provider enrolled in the DMV Online Vision Registry, or
by a Vision Test Report (PDF) (MV-619) 3 completed by a physician, physician’s assistant, ophthalmologist, optometrist (such as Dr. Kornfeld,) optician, registered nurse, or nurse professional.
To order a replacement document without the restriction, you must
complete an Application for Permit, Driver License or Non-Driver ID Card (PDF) (MV-44)
pay a replacement document fee of $12.50
provide a completed Vision Test Report (PDF) (MV-619) if your eye care provider is not enrolled in the DMV Online Vision Registry
Mail these items to your local DMV office.
If the Vision Test Report (MV-619) has a print date of 9/03 or earlier, the form is valid for 6 months after the date of the eye test. If the document has a print date of 3/04 or later, the vision care professional marks a box to indicate if the form is valid for 6 months or 12 months after the date of the eye test.
2Your Vision Care Report (MV-619) must be completed by a physician, a physician’s assistant, an ophthalmologist, an optometrist (such as Dr. Kornfeld,) an optician, a registered nurse, or a nurse professional.
If the Vision Test Report (MV-619) has a print date of 9/03 or earlier, the form is valid for 6 months after the date of the eye test. If the document has a print date of 3/04 or later, the vision care professional marks a box to indicate if the form is valid for 6 months or 12 months after the date of the eye test.
If the Vision Test Report (MV-619) has a print date of 9/03 or earlier, the form is valid for 6 months after the date of the eye test. If the document has a print date of 3/04 or later, the vision care professional marks a box to indicate if the form is valid for 6 months or 12 months after the date of the eye test.
Pennsylvania Driving Rules
Vision requirements & restrictions
Pennsylvania Code, Title 67, Chapter 83 67 Pa. Code § 83.3. Visual standards
updated 9/27/2022
(a) Driving without corrective lenses. A person with visual acuity of 20/40 or better combined vision may drive without corrective lenses.
(1) If a person with visual acuity of 20/40 or better combined vision, however, has visual acuity of less than 20/40 in one eye, the vision in that eye shall be corrected to its best visual acuity.
(2) A person with visual acuity of 20/40 or better combined vision and who has visual acuity of less than 20/40 in one eye, may drive without corrective lenses upon determination by a licensed optometrist or ophthalmologist that the person’s combined vision would not be improved by the use of corrective lenses.
(b) Driving with corrective lenses. A person with visual acuity of less than 20/40 combined vision shall wear lenses correcting combined vision to 20/40 or better while driving, except that if correction to 20/40 is not possible, the person may drive in daylight hours only if one of the following are met:
(1) The combined vision has been corrected to 20/60 or better.
(2) Visual acuity is less than 20/60 combined vision but at least 20/70 combined vision with best correction, but only upon recommendation of a licensed optometrist or licensed physician who has equipment to properly evaluate visual acuity.
(c) Visual acuity of less than 20/70.
(1) A person with visual acuity of less than 20/70 combined vision but at least 20/100 combined vision with best correction may apply for and may be issued a restricted license only upon recommendation of a licensed optometrist or ophthalmologist or licensed physician who has equipment to properly evaluate visual acuity, and only if the following conditions or limitations are satisfied:
(i) The person takes and successfully passes a complete vision examination, including plotted visual fields, upon application and annually thereafter.
(ii) The person takes and successfully passes a driver’s examination upon application.
(iii) The person’s driving privilege is limited to roads other than freeways, as defined in 75 Pa.C.S. § 102 (relating to definitions).
(iv) The person’s driving privilege is limited to passenger vehicles weighing no more than 10,000 pounds, and excludes operation of a motorcycle.
(v) If determined by the Department to be appropriate, the person’s driving privilege is limited to driving within a limited radius of the person’s residence as recommended by a licensed physician.
(2) Violation of these conditions or limitations shall result in the recall of the restricted license. In addition, an annual review of the person’s accident and violation history will be conducted by the Department and the restricted license may be recalled if the Department determines that the person was involved in an at fault accident or convicted of two moving violations committed within a 1-year period.
(d) Visual acuity of less than 20/100. A person with visual acuity of less than 20/100 combined vision with best correction will not be qualified to drive.
(e) Vision requirements. A person shall have a combined field of vision of at least 120° in the horizontal meridian, excepting the normal blind spots.
(f) Sight in one eye. A person may be adequately sighted in only one eye and still meet the requirements of this section The person’s driving privilege will be restricted to vehicles having mirrors so located as to reflect to the person a view of the highway for a distance of at least 200 feet to the rear.
(g) Telescopic lenses. Correction through the use of telescopic lenses is not acceptable for purposes of meeting acuity requirements.
Ontario, Canada Driving Rules
Vision requirements & restrictions
From the Ontario, Canada Government Website;
updated 9/28/2022
Basic medical standards
In Ontario, all drivers must meet basic medical standards to operate a motor vehicle. These standards are set out in Ontario Regulation 340/94 (s. 14).
Professionals who are required to report patients who have or appear to have certain high-risk medical conditions, vision conditions, or functional impairments include:
physicians
nurse practitioners
optometrists
Professionals who have discretionary authority to report conditions that they determine will make it dangerous for a person to drive include:
physicians
nurse practitioners
optometrists
occupational therapists
Whether you are applying for your licence or already have one, you must not:
suffer from any mental, emotional, nervous or physical disability that might significantly interfere with your ability to safely drive a Class G or M motor vehicle
be addicted to alcohol or a drug to a point where it is likely to significantly interfere with your ability to safely drive a motor vehicle
In addition to Ontario’s basic mandatory medical and vision standards, we use national medical standards published by the Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators when we review medical information and make licensing decisions.
Higher medical standards apply for people who want to drive a commercial vehicle. Learn more about medical, vision and hearing standards for commercial drivers.
Vision standards
There are mandatory vision standards you must meet in order to drive. You will need to pass a vision test when you apply for your G1 or M1 licence.
Your vision will be screened with both eyes open and examined together, with or without the aid of corrective lenses (glasses or contact lenses). If you have vision in one eye only, your vision will be screened using only your functioning eye.
The screening will check that you meet the standards set out in Ontario Regulation 340/94 (s. 18), which includes both:
a visual acuity, which is measured by the Snellen Rating, that is not poorer than 20/50
a horizontal visual field of at least 120 continuous degrees along the horizontal meridian, and at least 15 continuous degrees above and below fixation
If you don’t meet the standard for peripheral vision, the ministry will determine if you are eligible to apply for a vision waiver.
Get a vision waiver for a Class G licence
If you don’t meet the standard for peripheral vision (120-degree horizontal visual field), you may be considered for a vision waiver.
You may be eligible if you:
don’t have more than six demerit points on your driving record
haven’t had your licence suspended within the last five years because of a Criminal Code conviction for an offence committed by means of a motor vehicle
haven’t had your licence suspended within the last five years because of certain Highway Traffic Act convictions
haven’t been involved in a collision with an associated conviction under the Highway Traffic Act for certain offences, within the last five years and within the time of your vision loss
meet all other qualifications for your licence class
don’t have a medical or visual condition or disability that may significantly impair your driving ability, either alone or combined with a reduced visual field
You will need to provide:
a satisfactory medical report
a satisfactory vision assessment from an optometrist or ophthalmologist
Once we review and approve your medical and vision reports, you must complete a satisfactory functional assessment from an approved assessment centre for Class G Vision Waivers. This assessment consists of several standardized tests, both in clinic and on the road.
For more information on driving requirements, see Ontario Regulation 340/94 (s. 21.2).
Get a vision waiver for a Class A, C, D or F licence
Effective July 2021, if you don’t meet the vision standards for a commercial licence class, you may be considered for a vision waiver for a Class A, C, D or F licence.
You may be eligible if you:
don’t have more than two demerit points on your driving record
haven’t had your licence suspended within the last five years because of a Criminal Code conviction for an offence committed by means of a motor vehicle
haven’t had your licence suspended within the last five years because of certain Highway Traffic Act convictions
haven’t had your licence suspended within the last five years as a result of an administrative roadside sanction under section 48, 48.0.1, 48.0.2, 48.0.3, 48.0.4, 48.1, 48.2.1, 48.2.2, 48.3 or 48.3.1 of the Highway Traffic Act
your licence has been valid for the last two years
haven’t been involved in a collision with an associated conviction under the Highway Traffic Act for certain offences, within the last five years and within the time of your vision loss
meet all other qualifications for your licence class
don’t have a medical or visual condition or disability that may significantly impair your driving ability, either alone or combined with reduced vision.
You will need to provide a completed Commercial Vision Waiver application package that includes:
a satisfactory medical report
a satisfactory vision assessment from an optometrist or ophthalmologist
If your medical and vision reports are approved, you must complete a satisfactory functional driving assessment from an approved assessment centre for Commercial Vision Waivers. This assessment consists of several standardized tests, both in clinic and on-road.
If your functional assessment is approved, you must pass a road test in a vehicle that meets the requirements for the Class of licence required (A, C, D or F).
For more information on driving requirements, see Ontario Regulation 340/94 (s. 21.3).
Medical reports and licence suspensions
We might receive a report about your ability to drive from:
your physician
a nurse practitioner
your occupational therapist
your optometrist
a police officer
We review each case individually and evaluate the medical information on the report against:
medical standards found in Regulation 340/94 of the Highway Traffic Act
national medical standards
Complex cases may be reviewed by the Medical Advisory Committee, which is a panel of expert medical advisors including physicians in the fields of:
cardiology
psychiatry
endocrinology
ophthalmology
internal medicine
rehabilitation medicine
geriatric medicine
addiction medicine
This review will determine whether you are medically fit to drive. The review process may take up to 15 business days or more depending on complexity.
If the medical report confirms that you do not meet the medical standards, your licence will be suspended. If you licence is suspended, we will send you:
a formal Notice of Suspension
a letter telling you what type of medical information is needed to have your licence considered for reinstatement
Reinstating a licence
If suspended, your licence will be considered for reinstatement when we have received and reviewed the requested medical information.
We process medical reports on a first-come, first-served basis. Cases are reviewed within 15 business days. More time may be required if more information has been requested.
Other possible outcomes of our review
Depending on the nature of your medical condition, we may:
take no action, if your condition is deemed to be temporary or minor
downgrade your commercial licence, if applicable
ask you to take a new written, vision and road test at a DriveTest centre
ask you to take a functional assessment at an approved assessment centre
ask you to file additional medical information
If we need more information
If you need to provide more medical information, you will receive a letter outlining:
the information needed
a due date to submit the information
We will review your information to determine whether you meet the required medical standards to drive.
If we don’t receive your information by the due date, you will receive either:
a suspension notice
under certain circumstances, in the case of a commercial licence, a new licence or a downgraded licence
The suspension or downgrade of your licence will be reconsidered when we receive your medical information.
Results
Once we have reviewed your information, we will let you know the outcome of our decision by mail.
If you meet the medical standards, your licence will be reinstated as long as there are no other outstanding suspensions or requirements. You will receive a reinstatement notice in the mail.
If your licence is suspended for medical reasons, you will be able to appeal the decision to the Licence Appeal Tribunal
Appeal a medical suspension or downgrade of your licence
You can appeal a medical suspension (excluding vision) or medical downgrade from a commercial class licence by applying for an appeal through the Licence Appeal Tribunal. The tribunal can confirm, change or set aside (reverse) the decision.
The tribunal’s decisions in medical cases can be appealed to the Superior Court of Justice within 30 days from the date the decisions are released.
Your licence will remain suspended or downgraded until the appeal is heard.
You must pay a fee to appeal your medical suspension. The fee is payable to the Licence Appeal Tribunal.
Functional assessments
A functional assessment (also known as a driving evaluation) is a full medical assessment and an on-road evaluation. It is conducted by an occupational therapist and a qualified driving instructor.
You may need to undergo a functional driving assessment:
if you are reported as being medically unfit to drive due to a neurological condition, physical disability or cognitive impairment
as part of an application for a Class G vision waiver
If you are required to undergo a functional driving assessment, the Ministry of Transportation will send you a letter including a list of approved functional assessment centres. You can find a location near you on this list.
If the assessment indicates that you need remedial lessons:
a report will be sent to the ministry
you will be issued a temporary licence (for the purpose of lessons only), as long as there are no outstanding suspensions or requirements on file