A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT to allow the issuance of a restricted license to an individual that meets certain requirements for the use of bioptic telescopic lenses.
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. –
(1)	An applicant using bioptic telescopic lenses shall be eligible for a regular Class C drivers license under this section if the applicant meets all of the following:
a.	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.
b.	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.
c.	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.
d.	Successfully passes a road test administered by the Division, if a road test is requested.
e.	Meets all other criteria for licensure.
(2)	In addition to the requirements listed in subdivision (1) of this subsection, the Division may require an applicant using bioptic telescopic lenses to successfully complete a behind‑the‑wheel training and assessment program prescribed by the Division.
(3)	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.
(4)	Applicants issued a regular Class C drivers license, limited learner's permit, or provisional drivers license shall be subject to the following restrictions on the license issued:
a.	The license or permit holder shall not be eligible for any endorsements.
b.	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.
(5)	Applicants issued a regular Class C drivers license may drive motor vehicles between the period beginning one‑half hour before sunset and ending one‑half hour after sunrise if the applicant meets the following requirements:
a.	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.
b.	Provides a report of examination by an ophthalmologist or optometrist in accordance with sub‑subdivision c. of subdivision (1) of this subsection that does not recommend restricting the applicant to driving a motor vehicle only during the period beginning one‑half hour after sunrise and ending one‑half hour before sunset."
SECTION 2.  This act is effective when it becomes law.