Section 16-110.2 - Vision requirements - Bioptic telescopic lenses. - Maryland Statutes

§ 16-110.2. Vision requirements - Bioptic telescopic lenses.
 

(a)  "Bioptic telescopic lens" defined.- In this section, "bioptic telescopic lens" means a spectacle mounted telescopic/telescopics telescope placed at the top of a corrective vision lens and designed to increase visual acuity and aid in spotting distant objects at a glance. 

(b)  Noncommercial Class C licenses.- Notwithstanding any other requirements under this subtitle, an applicant using bioptic telescopic lenses shall be eligible for a noncommercial Class C driver's license under this subtitle if the applicant: 

(1) (i) Demonstrates a visual acuity of at least 20/100 in one or both eyes and a field of 150 degrees horizontal vision with or without corrective lenses; or 

(ii) If the applicant has vision in one eye only, demonstrates a field of at least 100 degrees horizontal vision; 

(2) Demonstrates a visual acuity of at least 20/70 in one or both eyes with the bioptic telescopic lenses and without the use of field expanders; 

(3) Submits a report of examination by a licensed ophthalmologist or optometrist for evaluation by the Medical Advisory Board under § 16-118 of this subtitle; and 

(4) Meets all the other requirements for licensure under this title. 

(c)  Learner's instructional permits.- An applicant using bioptic telescopic lenses shall be eligible for a learner's instructional permit under § 16-103 of this subtitle if the applicant meets the requirements of subsection (b) of this section. 

(d)  Restricted license; "night blindness".-  

(1) Except as provided in subsection (e) of this section, a license issued in compliance with this section authorizes the licensee to operate a motor vehicle only during the period beginning one-half hour after sunrise and ending one-half hour before sunset. 

(2) If the applicant is eligible for a license under paragraph (1) of this subsection, the Administration shall issue to the applicant a restricted license endorsed "Daylight Driving Only". 

(e)  Unrestricted license; hours of operation.- A licensee under this section may operate a motor vehicle without any restriction regarding hours of operation if the licensee: 

(1) Demonstrates a visual acuity of at least 20/40 in one or both eyes with the bioptic telescopic lenses and without the use of field expanders; 

(2) Has been licensed under this section for at least one year; and 

(3) Passes a skills test taken at night. 

(f)  Applicability of section.- This section only applies to an applicant who: 

(1) Is granted a license under this section on or before September 30, 1997; and 

(2) Continues to qualify for a license under this section. 
 

[1991, ch. 483; 1992, ch. 22, § 1; 1996, ch. 108; 1997, ch. 346, § 1; 2000, ch. 61, § 1.]