What's happening
This bill requires all applicants renewing a New York driver's license to complete and provide proof of a vision test.
Why it matters
Mandates a vision test for all driver's license renewals. , meaning every applicant must either pass a vision test administered by the DMV or submit a certification from an approved medical professional confirming adequate vision.
Closes existing loopholes. where some applicants may have been able to renew their license without verifying their vision, potentially improving public safety by ensuring all drivers meet minimum vision standards.
Allows flexibility in meeting the requirement. by accepting certifications from a variety of healthcare providers (physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, optometrists, or opticians), which may make compliance easier for drivers in different circumstances.
Could impact renewal convenience and processing times. , as applicants will need to plan ahead to obtain and provide proof of a recent vision test, possibly increasing visits to medical professionals or the DMV.
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Who cares
Headline styles
Require Vision Test for Renewal
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
No co-sponsors yet.
History
- Referred to transportation
- Referred to transportation
Companion bill
The same bill in the other chamber. A bill becomes law when one version passes both houses and the governor signs it, so either number can carry it.
Require Vision Test for License
In Senate Committee · Rules · Sponsor Andrew J. Lanza
Full text
2 pagesUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
6544
2017-2018 Regular Sessions
IN ASSEMBLY
March 9, 2017
Introduced by M. of A. CUSICK -- read once and referred to the Committee on Transportation
AN ACT to amend the vehicle and traffic law, in relation to requiring applicants for the renewal of a driver's license to complete a vision test
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. Paragraph (a) of subdivision 6 of section 502 of the vehicle and traffic law, as amended by section 3 of part K of chapter 59 of the laws of 2009, is amended to read as follows:
(a) A license issued pursuant to subdivision five of this section shall be valid until the expiration date contained thereon, unless such license is suspended, revoked or cancelled. Such license may be renewed by submission of an application for renewal, the fee prescribed by law, proofs of prior licensing, fitness and acceptable vision prescribed by the commissioner, the applicant's social security number, and if required by the commissioner a photo image of the applicant in such numbers and form as the commissioner shall prescribe. Such proof of acceptable vision shall require the applicant to pass a vision test administered by the commissioner or his or her agent, or to submit a certification, signed by a physician, physician assistant, nurse practitioner, optometrist or optician, attesting that the applicant has adequate vision to operate a motor vehicle as determined by the commissioner. In addition, an applicant for renewal of a license containing a hazardous material endorsement shall pass an examination to retain such endorsement. The commissioner shall, with respect to the renewal of a hazardous materials endorsement, comply with the requirements imposed upon states by sections 383.141 and 1572.13 of title 49 of the code of federal regulations. A renewal of such license shall be issued by the commissioner upon approval of such application, except that no such license shall be issued if its issuance would be inconsistent with the
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD02360-01-7
A. 6544 2
provisions of section five hundred sixteen of this title, and except that the commissioner may refuse to renew such license if the applicant is the holder of a currently valid or renewable license to drive issued by another state or foreign country unless the applicant surrenders such license.
§ 2. This act shall take effect on the sixtieth day after it shall have become a law.
Reflowed for reading: line numbers and page breaks removed. Cite the official text.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.