Urgent warning over new driving rule as motorists face being hit by £1,000 fine if they don’t take action
Motorists have been given an urgent warning over a new driving rule as they face a £1,000 fine.
The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) has made changes to regulations regarding medical conditions that can affect your ability to stay safe on the road.
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Car owners must notify the DVLA if they have such a condition in order to retain their driver’s license.
Recent changes affect the list of eye conditions that could affect your ability to drive.
These include glaucoma, double vision, partial vision loss and night blindness, among others.
The full list can be found online, but anyone who develops any of the issues mentioned must report it to the DVLA immediately.
Penalties for non-compliance can include a fine of up to £1,000 and even loss of driving licence.
A spokesman for the agency said: “Drivers should inform the DVLA of the onset or worsening of any medical condition that could affect their driving.”
However, this only applies if the condition affects both eyes or you have vision loss in one eye.
If only one eye is affected and you can still see in both eyes, you do not need to contact the DVLA.
Consult your GP if you are unsure if you meet the minimum driving requirements.
This comes after several conditions were removed from the list after consultation with the Association of Optometrists.
The group had raised concerns that some of the issues listed earlier, including tunnel vision or retinal treatment, were too broad and would affect too many motorists.
Adam Sampson, chief executive of the federation, told GB News: “The original list of conditions would almost certainly have applied to most, if not all, drivers.”
“We are delighted that the DVLA has listened to our advice and acted and has now published a significantly reduced list – which will also be a relief to many motorists on UK roads who face a £1,000 fine.”
The DVLA confirmed that it will continuously review the list in consultation with medical experts.
Meanwhile, motorists have been warned of yet another DVLA change following a major update to vehicle tax rules earlier this month.
