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D.C. Municipal Regulations (Last Updated: September 13, 2017) |
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Title 18. VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC |
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Chapter 18-1. ISSUANCE OF DRIVER LICENSES |
Section 18-105. VISUAL REQUIREMENTS AND EXAMINATIONS
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105.1Each applicant for a driver’s license, learner’s permit, or renewal of a license or permit must meet minimum visual requirements.
105.2Testing may be done by confrontation or perimetry, both eyes open.
105.3An applicant who has only one (1) functioning eye must submit a report from an optometrist or ophthalmologist attesting to the applicant’s field of vision.
105.4Minimum requirements shall include form field of vision of at least one hundred thirty degrees (130 [degrees]) in the horizontal meridian.
105.5Applicants whose field of vision is less than one hundred thirty degrees (130 [degrees]) but more than one hundred ten degrees (110 [degrees]), but whose vision meets the visual acuity requirements described in § 105.6 may be referred to the Director for approval.
105.6Each applicant must demonstrate visual acuity of at least 20/40 in one eye and no less than 20/70 in the other eye, with or without corrective lenses.
105.7If an applicant's visual acuity fails to meet the requirements of § 105.6, the following requirements, with or without corrective lenses, shall apply:
(a)If the applicant has visual acuity of less than 20/70 in one eye and no less than 20/40 in the other eye, or has only one (1) functioning eye of not less than 20/40, a permit may be issued;
(b)If the applicant has visual acuity of less than 20/40, but not less than 20/70, in the best or only eye, and a field of vision of at least one hundred forty degrees (140 [degrees]) in the horizontal meridian, a license may be issued with a restriction that limits driving to daylight hours only; and
(c)The license shall be issued upon the favorable recommendation of an optometrist or ophthalmologist. The applicant may not operate a vehicle unless the vehicle is equipped with a functional outside mirror on the left side.
105.8An applicant who is being treated for glaucoma or cataracts may be issued a driver’s license if, in addition to meeting all other requirements of this chapter, he or she submits to the Department a medical eye report completed by an ophthalmologist on a medical form furnished by the Director.
105.9The eye report required by § 105.8 shall be submitted annually unless the ophthalmologist indicates a need for more or less frequent reports; or unless three (3) consecutive annual reports reveal no appreciable deterioration in visual acuity or field of vision, in which case less frequent reports may be satisfactory.
105.10Any permittee who develops glaucoma, cataracts or loses functioning in one eye shall, within thirty (30) days of learning of the condition, appear at the Department with a medical eye report completed by an ophthalmologist on a medical form supplied by the Department.
105.11Any permittee whose corrected visual acuity or filed of vision becomes less than the minimum allowed under § 105.6 shall report to the Department for re-testing within thirty (30) days of learning of the condition.
105.12The Director may reissue a license with conditions or revoke the license of a permittee who no longer meets the visual acuity requirements of § 105.6 or who submits information pursuant to § 105.10 that indicates that the person is not physically qualified to operate a motor vehicle in a manner not to jeopardize the safety of individuals or property.
105.13Failure to appear when required by §§ 105.10 or 105.11 may be grounds for revocation pursuant to § 302.2.
105.14The Director may suspend a driver’s permit if more time is required to evaluate the permittee and may, in his or her discretion, issue a temporary license to a permittee if consistent with public safety.