What's happening
This bill requires proof of acceptable vision, via eye test or doctor's certification, for all driver's license renewals.
Why it matters
Directly addresses road safety by ensuring all drivers meet a baseline vision standard at every license renewal, aiming to reduce accidents caused by poor eyesight.
Makes the renewal process more rigorous by mandating either an eye test or a doctor’s certification, which could prevent people with deteriorating vision from driving unchecked.
Modernizes and streamlines compliance by allowing doctor’s certifications of acceptable vision to be submitted online, potentially making it easier for some applicants (like those with mobility or time constraints) to renew.
May impact the renewal process for older drivers or those with progressive eye conditions, possibly leading to increased scrutiny and the need for regular medical follow-ups.
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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
Full text
2 pagesUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
3947
2019-2020 Regular Sessions
IN ASSEMBLY
January 31, 2019
Introduced by M. of A. WEPRIN -- read once and referred to the Committee on Transportation
AN ACT to amend the vehicle and traffic law, in relation to requiring a vision test for the renewal of a drivers' license
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. Proof of acceptable vision shall be required in the form of an eye test or a doctor's certification for license renewal pursuant to this subdivision. The commissioner shall allow the online submission of a doctor's certification of an applicant's proof of acceptable vision. 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 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
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD08391-01-9
A. 3947 2
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 one hundred twentieth day after it shall have become a law. Effective immediately, the addition, amendment and/or repeal of any rule or regulation necessary for the implementation of this act on its effective date are authorized to be made on or before such effective date.
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.