Minn. R. agency 171, ch. 7410, PHYSICAL AND MENTAL QUALIFICATIONS, pt. 7410.2400

Current through Register Vol. 49, No. 24, December 9, 2024

Part 7410.2400 - VISION

Subpart 1.In general.

Every applicant shall submit to a vision screening or examination. The purpose of the vision screening is:

A. to screen applicants to ensure that those with insufficient vision take the steps required to achieve the best vision possible; and

B. to deny driving privileges to those whose vision is likely to interfere with the safe operation of motor vehicles.

Subp. 1a.Definitions.

The terms used in this part have the following meanings:

A. "Visual acuity" means acuteness or sharpness of vision.

B. "Visual field" means the area within which an object may be seen when the eye is fixed.

Subp. 2.Unrestricted/corrective lens restriction.

The applicant, if otherwise eligible, will be considered for an unrestricted driver's license or a driver's license with a corrective lens restriction if the applicant meets the following visual standards:

A. visual acuity of 20/40 or better, with either one usable eye or with both eyes, with or without corrective lenses; and

B. visual field of 105 degrees or greater in the horizontal diameter with either one usable eye or with both eyes.

If the applicant needs corrective lenses to meet the visual acuity standards or if a licensed physician or an optometrist recommends that the applicant wear corrective lenses, the applicant must wear the corrective lenses while operating a motor vehicle.

If a licensed physician or an optometrist recommends that corrective lenses not be worn, the commissioner shall impose suitable restrictions, if applicable, upon the applicant's driving privileges.

Subp. 3. [Repealed, 20 SR 2122]

Subp. 4.Vision examinations.

An applicant shall submit a vision examination certificate from a licensed physician or an optometrist in a form as prescribed by the commissioner when:

A. the applicant disagrees with the results of the screening;

B. the applicant's vision cannot be determined;

C. any court or police officer has recommended that the applicant's vision be examined;

D. the commissioner has good cause to believe that an examination is warranted;

E. the applicant has double vision;

F. the applicant's visual acuity is less than 20/40 with either one usable eye or with both eyes, with or without corrective lenses; or

G. the applicant's visual field is less than 105 degrees in the horizontal diameter with either one usable eye or with both eyes.

An applicant's vision examination must have been conducted within six months of completion of the vision examination certificate.

Subp. 5.Restricted license; vision requirements.

If otherwise eligible, and subject to subpart 5a, an applicant will be issued a restricted license to drive if the applicant has:

A. visual acuity of 20/50 or less corrected vision with either one usable eye or with both eyes; or

B. visual field of less than 105 degrees in the horizontal diameter with either one usable eye or with both eyes.

Subp. 5a.Restricted license; driving restrictions.

An applicant eligible for a restricted license under subpart 5 shall comply with the applicable restrictions on driving described in items A to E.

A. Speed restrictions.

20/50	55 miles per hour
20/60	50 miles per hour
20/70	45 miles per hour

B. Restriction as to type of road. An applicant subject to speed restrictions under item A may also be restricted to those roads having a maximum speed limit equal to the maximum speed limit imposed upon the applicant, if the commissioner determines that the restriction is necessary for the safety of the applicant and the public. A person limited to a maximum speed of 45 m.p.h. or less is prohibited from driving on any freeway, expressway, or limited access highway that has a speed limit of more than 45 m.p.h.

C. Area restrictions. An applicant with visual acuity of 20/50 or less corrected vision may be restricted to driving within an area to be determined by the commissioner, if the commissioner determines that the restriction is necessary for the safety of the applicant and the public.

D. Daylight restriction. An applicant with visual acuity of 20/50 or less corrected vision may be restricted to daylight hours to be determined by the commissioner if the commissioner determines that the restriction is necessary for the safety of the applicant and the public.

E. Equipment restriction. An applicant with a visual field of less than 105 degrees in the horizontal diameter with either one usable eye or with both eyes must be restricted to driving with left and right outside rearview mirrors or restrictions in items A to E, if the commissioner determines that the restriction is necessary for the safety of the applicant and the public.

Subp. 6.Other situations.

When the applicant's visual acuity is 20/80 or up to, but not including, 20/100 corrected vision, or when the applicant has any vision readings or problems not covered by the above general standards, the application will be referred to the driver evaluation unit, who shall determine whether a restricted license can be issued and the kinds of restrictions that are necessary to ensure that the applicant does not pose an unreasonable safety risk to the applicant personally or to others.

Subp. 7.License denial/cancellation.

An applicant's driver's license will be denied or an existing driver's license will be canceled under the authority of Minnesota Statutes, sections 171.04, subdivision 1, clause (11), 171.14, and 171.32, when:

A. the applicant has visual acuity of 20/100 or less corrected vision;

B. the applicant is known to be receiving assistance for the blind;

C. the applicant has visual field of less than 100 degrees in the horizontal diameter with either one usable eye or with both eyes;

D. the commissioner receives a recommendation from a licensed physician or optometrist that the applicant's driver's license should be canceled or denied; or

E. the applicant fails to submit a required vision examination certificate within the requested time period.

Minn. R. agency 171, ch. 7410, PHYSICAL AND MENTAL QUALIFICATIONS, pt. 7410.2400

17 SR 1279; 20 SR 2122; L 1996 c 455 art 3 s 24; L 1999 c 238 art 2 s 91

Statutory Authority: MS s 14.06; 171.04; 171.13; 171.14; 299A.04