Driving with bad eyesight: glasses are not always enough

Created: 05/26/2022, 15:11

By: Marcus Efler

If you have poor eyesight, you can still drive a car.

However, there are cases where the ophthalmologist needs to do more than just prescribe glasses.

Munich – Every learner driver knows it: You don't get a driver's license without a visit to the optician or doctor.

If a visual impairment is determined that requires glasses or contact lenses, this is coded on the driver's license with the note 0101.

If you are caught driving without glasses, you risk a fine (click here for the most important changes in the new catalog of fines).

In the event of an accident, missing glasses can have an impact on who is at fault.

Driving with bad eyesight: glasses are not always enough

Basically, poor eyesight is not an obstacle to driving a car or motorbike.

However, there is a limit for obtaining a driver's license without any problems - and that is 70 percent.

In principle, both eyes must reach this value.

Glasses or contact lenses can also help.

If the ability to see is lower, all is not lost.

However, it is no longer enough to simply use a visual aid, because in this case an ophthalmologist must draw up a report on your fitness to drive.

The coveted EU card is only awarded if this is positive.

The corresponding code on it is then 01.

In most cases, glasses are sufficient for driving a car if you have poor eyesight.

(Icon image) © Jose Carlos Ichiro/Imago

Driving with bad eyesight: You may be allowed to drive with one eye

As long as one eye is still relatively healthy, it does not pose a problem if you see poorly with the second eye - or (perhaps after an accident) not at all.

A second limit must not be fallen below: If the visual acuity is below 50 percent, you are not allowed to drive a vehicle.

also read

Data protection officer slaps VW: "Complete inability to communicate"

When does the corona mask requirement for the car first aid kit apply?

You can find even more exciting car topics in the free newsletter from 24auto.de, which you can subscribe to right here.

However, it is the driver's personal responsibility to have their eyes checked regularly if their visual acuity decreases, for example as they get older.

And then to use any (stronger) glasses that may be necessary – and, if in doubt, to have your own driving ability checked as a precaution.