File #: Res 1154-2011    Version: * Name: Dept of Motor Vehicles to reinstate the requirement that drivers get a vision test as part of the driver’s license renewal process.
Type: Resolution Status: Filed
Committee: Committee on Transportation
On agenda: 12/8/2011
Enactment date: Law number:
Title: Resolution calling upon the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles to reinstate the requirement that drivers get a vision test as part of the driver’s license renewal process.
Sponsors: Gale A. Brewer, Margaret S. Chin, Letitia James, G. Oliver Koppell, Karen Koslowitz, Brad S. Lander, Stephen T. Levin, Melissa Mark-Viverito, Rosie Mendez, Annabel Palma, Deborah L. Rose, James Vacca, Jumaane D. Williams, Ruben Wills, Ydanis A. Rodriguez, Fernando Cabrera , Daniel J. Halloran III
Council Member Sponsors: 17
Res. No. 1154
 
 
Resolution calling upon the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles to reinstate the requirement that drivers get a vision test as part of the driver's license renewal process.
 
 
By Council Members Brewer, Chin, James, Koppell, Koslowitz, Lander, Levin, Mark-Viverito, Mendez, Palma, Rose, Vacca, Williams, Wills, Rodriguez, Cabrera and Halloran
 
      Whereas, In September 2011, the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles announced that it will no longer require eye examinations for renewal of driver's licenses; and
      Whereas, Under the previous regulations, drivers renewing their licenses had to undergo a simple eye examination or submit an eye examination report from their doctor; and
Whereas, According to the new regulations, drivers will only have to self-certify about the condition of their vision; and
      Whereas, According to media reports, the new policy is meant to encourage more drivers to renew their licenses online or by mail; and
      Whereas, The American Optometric Association has voiced its support for having a vision examination be a part of a driver's license renewal process; and
      Whereas, According to American Optometric Association, vision testing is especially important for drivers who are vulnerable to developing vision problems, such as seniors and aging individuals in glasses; and
      Whereas, As the driving population ages with more older drivers still on the road, it is important to maintain safe roads by ensuring that vision testing is part of the license renewal process; now, therefore, be it
      Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York calls upon the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles to reinstate the requirement that drivers get a vision test as part of the driver's license renewal process.
 
 
LS# 2908
11/16/2011
GZ