2021 Kentucky Revised Statutes
Chapter 186 - Licensing of motor vehicles, operators, and trailers
186.577 Testing applicants for initial operator's license or initial instruction permit -- Restrictions or driving privileges based on visual acuity test -- Testing not required for license renewal -- Certain drivers restricted to use of bioptic telescopic devices -- Administrative regulations -- Fees to cover costs of testing -- Deposit of fees in photo license account. (Effective July 1, 2024).
Universal Citation:
KY Rev Stat § 186.577 (2021)
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186.577 Testing applicants for initial operator's license or initial instruction
permit -- Restrictions or driving privileges based on visual acuity test -Testing not required for license renewal -- Certain drivers restricted to
use of bioptic telescopic devices -- Administrative regulations -- Fees to
cover costs of testing -- Deposit of fees in photo license account.
(Effective July 1, 2024)
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(a)
The following persons shall submit to a test of visual acuity and visual
field at the time of application or renewal:
1.
All persons applying for an initial or renewal operator's license;
2.
All persons applying for an initial or renewal instruction permit; and
3.
Any person required to complete an examination under KRS
186.635.
Vision testing under this section shall be administered to any person:
(a) Applying for an initial operator's license, an initial instruction permit, or
reinstatement of a license when vision must be tested as required in KRS
186.480:
1.
Prior to the time of application under subsection (5) of this section;
or
2.
By Kentucky State Police at the time of application;
(b) Applying for operator's license renewal or instruction permit renewal:
1.
Prior to the time of application under subsection (5) of this section;
or
2.
By the Transportation Cabinet at the time of application; or
(c) Identified in Kentucky administrative regulations promulgated by the
Transportation Cabinet or the Kentucky State Police as being required to
undergo the exam required by KRS 186.480.
(a) Persons whose visual acuity is 20/40 or better and who meet or exceed
the visual field standard established by the Transportation Cabinet without
corrective lenses shall not have a restriction placed on their driving
privileges.
(b) Persons whose visual acuity is 20/40 or better and who meet or exceed
the visual field standard established by the Transportation Cabinet with
corrective lenses shall have their driving privileges restricted to mandate
the use of the corrective lenses.
(c) If a person fails to meet a 20/40 visual acuity standard or the visual field
standard established by the cabinet, the person shall be referred to a
vision specialist for examination.
A person referred to a vision specialist under subsection (3) of this section
whose visual acuity is 20/60 or better and who meets or exceeds the visual
field standard established by the cabinet shall be eligible to test for an
instruction permit or operator's license, or shall be eligible for operator's license
renewal. If corrective lenses were prescribed by the vision specialist, the
person's driving privileges shall be restricted to mandate the use of the
corrective lenses.
(5)
Vision tests administered under subsection (2)(a) of this section shall be
deemed to meet the testing provisions outlined in subsection (3) or (4) of this
section, if the person submits a driver vision testing form that complies with the
provisions of subsection (6) of this section and the form has been completed
by:
(a) A vision specialist; or
(b) An osteopath, physician, or advanced practice registered nurse who is
credentialed by the cabinet to perform vision testing under this section.
(6) All driver vision testing forms completed under subsection (5) of this section
shall:
(a) Attest that the applicant meets or exceeds the visual acuity standard and
visual field standard established by the cabinet;
(b) Only be valid if the vision specialist or the credentialed osteopath,
credentialed physician, or credentialed advanced practice registered
nurse signed and completed the vision testing form less than twelve (12)
months prior to the date of application or renewal;
(c) State whether the driving privileges of the applicant shall be restricted to
mandate the use of corrective lenses; and
(d) Clearly indicate that the vision testing under this section is a screening for
minimum vision standards established in this section and is not a
complete eye examination.
(7) Any person seeking application or permit under subsection (1) of this section
shall attest that he or she has submitted to and passed the visual acuity and
visual field tests required under this section.
(8) Any person renewing an operator's license under KRS 186.416 shall be
exempt from the vision testing requirements outlined in this section.
(9) Persons who meet the requirements of KRS 186.578 and are issued operator's
licenses under KRS 186.579 shall:
(a) Have their driving privileges restricted to the use of a bioptic telescopic
device; and
(b) Be exempt from this section.
(10) The Transportation Cabinet shall promulgate administrative regulations
pursuant to KRS Chapter 13A to implement the provisions of this section,
including but not limited to establishing visual field standards, the creation of a
driver vision testing form, and establishing a credentialing process for
osteopaths, physicians, and advanced practice registered nurses to conduct
vision testing under this section.
(11) The Transportation Cabinet may promulgate administrative regulations
pursuant to KRS Chapter 13A to:
(a) Implement a system for electronic transmission of driver vision testing
forms and accompanying documentation; and
(b) Assess a fee to an applicant to cover the administrative costs of
performing on-site vision testing. Any funds received from this fee shall be
deposited into the photo license account established in KRS 174.056.
Effective:July 1, 2024
History: Amended 2021 Ky. Acts ch. 126, sec. 1, effective July 1, 2024. -Amended 2007 Ky. Acts ch. 85, sec. 198, effective June 26, 2007. -- Created
2000 Ky. Acts ch. 396, sec. 2, effective January 1, 2001.
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