A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT to allow the use of bioptic lenses when testing for a drivers license and the issuance of a restricted license to an individual who passes certain requirements after passing the drivers license eye test.
The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:
SECTION 1.  G.S. 20‑7 is amended by adding a new subsection to read:
"(t)	Use of Bioptic Telescopic Lenses. – An applicant using bioptic telescopic lenses shall be eligible for a regular drivers license under this section if the applicant meets all of the following:
(1)	Demonstrates a visual acuity of at least 20/200 in one or both eyes and a field of 70 degrees horizontal vision with or without corrective carrier lenses, or if the person has vision in one eye only, the person demonstrates a field of at least 40 degrees temporal and 30 degrees nasal horizontal vision.
(2)	Demonstrates a visual acuity of at least 20/70 in one or both eyes with the bioptic telescopic lenses and without the use of field expanders.
(3)	Provides a report of examination by an ophthalmologist or optometrist on a form prescribed by the Division for the Division to determine if all field of vision requirements are met or additional testing is needed.
(4)	Meets all other criteria for licensure.
Applicants using bioptic telescopic lenses shall be eligible for a limited learner's permit or provisional drivers license issued pursuant to G.S. 20‑11, provided the requirements of this subsection are met and any other required testing or documentation is completed and submitted with the application.
Applicants issued a regular drivers license, limited learner's permit, or provisional drivers license, after using bioptic telescopic lenses for the eye test, shall be subject to the following restrictions on the license issued:
(1)	The license or permit holder shall not be eligible for any endorsements.
(2)	The license or permit shall permit the operation of motor vehicles only during the period beginning one‑half hour after sunrise and ending one‑half hour before sunset.
Applicants issued a regular drivers license, after using bioptic telescopic lenses for the eye test, may drive motor vehicles between the period beginning one‑half hour before sunset and ending one‑half hour after sunrise if the applicant:
(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 this section for at least one year; and
(3)	Passes a skills test taken at night.
Nothing in this subsection shall require the Division to issue licenses or permits applied for, pursuant to the requirements of this section, at any location other than the Division's Headquarters office in Raleigh. The Division may select additional offices throughout the State as sites for testing allowed pursuant to this subsection."
SECTION 2.  This act is effective when it becomes law.