FMCSA moves forward with new vision standards
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is updating its vision standards for commercial drivers who have vision impairment in one eye.
The changes will allow individuals who do not satisfy requirements in one eye – either the distant visual acuity standard or field of vision standard – to be considered physically qualified to operate a commercial motor vehicle in interstate commerce under specific conditions.
FMCSA’s final rule published in the Federal Register on Jan. 21.
Current standards prohibit such drivers from operating in interstate commerce unless they receive an exemption from FMCSA.
The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association supports the change and said it will allow safe, experienced drivers to stay on the road.
“The much anticipated final rule will eliminate red tape and help qualified, experienced monocular drivers stay in the industry,” said Jay Grimes, OOIDA’s director of federal affairs. “The alternative vision standard program maintains necessary safety qualifications, offers a performance-based approach, and will waive excessive waiting times for drivers that can meet the new standards. Anyone currently exempted will no longer need to apply with FMCSA and can now be approved through their own vision specialist and certified medical examiner.”
To be qualified under the new standards, the individual must have at least 20/40 vision in the other eye with or without corrective lenses and a field of vision of at least 70 degrees in the horizontal meridian. The individual also must be able to recognize the colors of traffic signals, have a stable vision deficiency, and have had sufficient time to adapt to and compensate for the change in vision.
Medical professionals would evaluate and make medical qualification determinations instead of FMCSA, as in the current exemption program. Motor carriers would administer the road tests. The proposal is based on recommendations from FMCSA’s Medical Review Board.
The current standard, which has been in place since 1970, requires drivers to have at least 20/40 vision in both eyes. LL