Section 20.03 - [Operative 4/1/2025] Vision Screening(a) Individuals applying for or renewing a driver's license must submit to a screening of their eyesight and meet the department's vision screening standard: (1) 20/40 with both eyes tested together, and(2) 20/40 in one eye, and(3) 20/70 at least, in the other eye.(b) An applicant may comply with the vision screening requirement by one of the following methods:(1) By submitting to a vision screening in person, at an office of the department.(2) By providing the department with one of the following documents either in person or remotely through the department's internet website:(A) A Report of Vision Examination, form DL 62 (REV. 7/2024), which is hereby incorporated by reference, signed by an optometrist or ophthalmologist, and dated within 6 months of the driver's license application date. 1. Applicants meeting the department's vision screening standard, as provided in subsection (a)(1) through (a)(3), are required to provide a form DL 62 with section 1 completed by the applicant, and the Visual Acuity and Signature section of section 2 completed by an ophthalmologist or optometrist.2. Applicants not meeting the department's vision screening standard, as provided in subsection (a)(1) through (a)(3), are required to provide a form DL 62 with section 1 completed by the applicant and all of section 2 completed by an ophthalmologist or optometrist.(B) A letter from the optometrist or ophthalmologist, that includes all of the following: 1. The address and telephone number of the optometrist or ophthalmologist.2. The individual's full name and the date of birth.3. The date the exam was given, which must be within 6 months of the driver's license application. The date of the exam must be within that time frame.4. The individual's visual acuity measurement, verified to meet the department's vision screening standard, as provided in subsections (a)(1) through (a)(3). Individuals not meeting the department's vision screening standard must submit a Report of Vision Examination, form DL 62, as provided in subsection (b)(2)(A)2.5. The optometrist or ophthalmologist signature and California optometry or medical license number.(c) Individuals unable to pass the department's vision screening standards must comply with all of the following: (1) Submit a form DL 62, as provided in subsection (b)(2)(A)2., signed by an optometrist or ophthalmologist, dated within six months of the driver's license application date. The date of the exam must be within that time frame.(2) Successfully pass a vision drive test to determine whether the individual can operate a motor vehicle safely with the reported vision loss.(3) Submit to more frequent vision screenings, as ordered by the department, to monitor a progressive vision condition.(d) The department shall not issue or renew a driver's license to an individual whose best corrected visual acuity is 20/200 or worse in that person's better eye, as verified by an optometrist or ophthalmologist. A person shall not use a bioptic telescopic or similar lens to meet the 20/200 visual acuity standards.(e) An individual with a long-standing, static vision condition (including monovision) is not required to obtain a Report of Vision Examination for subsequent renewals if they meet the vision screening standard in the better eye and the department has documentation referenced in subsection (b)(2)(A), either on record or submitted at the time of application.Cal. Code Regs. Tit. 13, § 20.03
Note: Authority cited: Sections 1651 and 12814.4, Vehicle Code. Reference: Sections 12804.9, 12805, 12814 and 12814.4, Vehicle Code.
1. New section filed 12-24-2024; operative 4/1/2025 (Register 2024, No. 52).