In wake of a Monday decision by the state Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to allow people applying for a renewal of their driver’s license to “self-certify” they have passed an eye exam, Assemblyman Bill Reilich (R,C,I-Greece) today introduced legislation which would make it mandatory for anyone renewing their driver’s license to pass an in-person vision test. Applicants would have the option of submitting evidence of having passed a previous eye exam administered by a licensed optician.
“While I understand the need to move to a more efficient, online-based DMV, it is not worth it when it risks the safety of our drivers and pedestrians in Western New York,” said Reilich. “I applaud the recent move by the Governor’s office to prevent the DMV’s online ‘self-certification’ for drivers until it can be reviewed by physicians and other experts. Members of the Assembly as well as county clerks across the Empire State are standing together to promote the safety of drivers and pedestrians in our communities. I am pleased to see that there will be further review of the rules for vision tests at DMV locations and I am confident that my legislation can balance driver safety with the needs of those renewing licenses.”
Assemblyman Reilich did note the monetary implications this would have on local counties, “When 12.7% of the total monetary transactions rendered at a local DMV go directly to the county in which they completed, this maneuver by the DMV is taking dollars away from local governments and putting them into the pockets of the state. While having minimally shorter lines seems like a gain, the decrease in roadway safety and decrease in local dollars is certainly not worth it.”
For those interested in more information on his DMV legislation or any other state matter, you may reach Assemblyman Reilich at his district office at 585-225-4190 or via email at reilicw@assembly.state.ny.us.