§403.5. Application of persons using bioptic telescopic lenses

A. A person using bioptic telescopic lenses shall be eligible for a driver's license if he meets all of the following requirements:

(1) Demonstrates a visual acuity of at least 20/200 in one or both eyes and a field of one hundred ten degrees horizontal vision without or with corrective carrier lenses, or if he has vision in one eye only, demonstrates a field of at least forty degrees temporal and thirty degrees nasal horizontal vision.

(2) Demonstrates a visual acuity of at least 20/60 in one or both eyes with the bioptic telescopic lenses and without the use of field expanders.

(3) Meets all other criteria for licensure.

(4) Submits, with the license application, a report of examination by an ophthalmologist or optometrist on a form prescribed by the office of motor vehicles. Such report shall certify that no ocular diagnosis or prognosis currently exists or is likely to occur during the period of issuance of the license which would cause deterioration of visual acuity or visual field to levels below the minimum standards provided for in this Section.

(5) Presents proof to the office of motor vehicles of completion of at least thirty hours of behind-the-wheel training from a driver education or prelicensing training course which has instructors with advanced education and practice in teaching individuals who use bioptic lenses, all as approved by the Department of Public Safety and Corrections.

(6) Successfully passes a comprehensive driver's skills test which tests the applicant's driving skills over a route specifically designed to test the applicant's competency using a bioptic telescopic device.

B. A person using bioptic telescopic lenses shall be eligible for a learner's license issued under R.S. 32:422, if he first meets the requirements of Subsection A of this Section.

C. A person using bioptic telescopic lenses shall be subject to the following restrictions:

(1) He shall only be eligible for a Class "E" driver's license, and he shall not be permitted to operate a motorcycle or motor scooter.

(2) His driver's license shall permit the operation of a motor vehicle only during the period beginning one-half hour after sunrise and ending one-half hour before sunset.

(3) He shall be prohibited from driving during adverse weather conditions which significantly reduce the visibility of the roadway, other traffic, and traffic control devices.

D. Notwithstanding the provisions of Paragraph (C)(2) of this Section, a person using bioptic telescopic lenses may be licensed to drive a motor vehicle between one-half hour before sunrise and one-half hour after sunset if he meets all of the following requirements:

(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 Subsection C of this Section for at least one year.

(3) Passes a skills test taken at night over a route which is specifically designed to test the applicant's competency using a bioptic telescopic device.

(4) Drives for twelve months without any at-fault accidents and without any license suspensions or revocations.

Acts 2004, No. 881, §1.