Q: “I recently learned that in the state of Wyoming (and perhaps other states), if you are over 70, you do not have to go to a Department of Motor Vehicles office for a vision test when renewing your license. In lieu of a visit to the DMV, one can submit a certification from an optometrist certifying vision, and that meets the minimum state requirement, which I believe is 20/40 or better (corrected or uncorrected) in at least one eye in California,” said reader Laszlo Fogassy of San Bernardino. Fogassy asked if California would consider such an option in the near future.
“This would certainly eliminate the necessity of a DMV office visit for many and reduce the long wait times in line, as this could all be done online,” our reader noted.
A: Yes, in fact, California is now considering such an option for drivers thanks to the passage of a new law.
The DMV currently mandates all drivers complete their vision tests at a DMV office. The requirements are on the DMV website under “Vision Conditions.” According to the website: “The DMV’s vision screening standard is the ability to see 20/40 with both eyes together, or 20/40 in one eye and at least 20/70 in the other eye, with or without corrective lenses.” Drivers who fail the vision screening are referred to a vision specialist who must examine the driver and complete a Report of Vision Examination form. The driver must submit this completed form to the DMV. Limited term licenses, temporary licenses or extensions are not issued to those with low vision who have failed the vision screening until a completed form has been reviewed and it’s determined that the vision condition does not impair the person’s ability to drive safely.
All of that being said, the passage of Assembly Bill 1606 by the California Legislature in 2023 means the DMV can establish a program to offer an alternative option allowing drivers to renew their driver’s licenses remotely, said DMV spokesperson Ronald Ongtoaboc. This may include the option to submit a vision certification from an optometrist or ophthalmologist instead of taking the vision test at the DMV. “We are looking at this option and other ideas to further expand remote services in the future,” he said. Stay tuned.
Q: When there is no construction work going on in construction zones marked for reduced speed, such as on weekends and holidays, can you be ticketed if you don’t slow down? Reader Susan Fahrney of Riverside asks.
A: Many drivers think – erroneously – that just because they don’t see road workers in a marked construction zone, they don’t have to slow down to the posted reduced speed. You do.
Reduced speed limits in construction zones must be followed at all times, even on holidays or when the workers aren’t present. This is not just for the safety of the workers, but also because construction zones could have other hazards you might not notice like trenches, uneven pavement and narrowed lanes. Remember also, fines for speeding in California are doubled in construction zones.
Do you commute to work in the Inland Empire? Spend a lot of time in your vehicle? Have questions about driving, freeways, toll roads or parking? If so, write or call On the Road and we’ll try to answer your questions. Please include your question or issue, name, city of residence, phone number and email address. Write ontheroad@scng.com or call us at our new phone number, 951-368-9995.