HB416 (2017) Detail

Relative to visual acuity requirements for drivers' licenses.


HB 416 - AS INTRODUCED

 

 

2017 SESSION

17-0236

03/05

 

HOUSE BILL 416

 

AN ACT relative to visual acuity requirements for drivers' licenses.

 

SPONSORS: Rep. W. Marsh, Carr. 8; Rep. Knirk, Carr. 3; Rep. Fraser, Belk. 1; Rep. Fothergill, Coos 1

 

COMMITTEE: Transportation

 

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ANALYSIS

 

This bill requires a visual acuity examination for drivers' licenses and specified renewals.

 

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Explanation: Matter added to current law appears in bold italics.

Matter removed from current law appears [in brackets and struckthrough.]

Matter which is either (a) all new or (b) repealed and reenacted appears in regular type.

17-0236

03/05

 

STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE

 

In the Year of Our Lord Two Thousand Seventeen

 

AN ACT relative to visual acuity requirements for drivers' licenses.

 

Be it Enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court convened:

 

1  Examination.  Amend RSA 263:6 to read as follows:

263:6  Examination.  Before a license is granted to any person, the applicant, if not previously licensed to drive a motor vehicle in this state, shall pass such examinations as to the person's qualifications as the director may prescribe.  Such examinations shall include an examination for visual acuity as prescribed by the director. Such examinations may also include an examination for [visual acuity,] knowledge[,] and road skill as prescribed by the director.  All license examinations shall be conducted by department of safety personnel and shall include knowledge questions regarding distracted driving, driving under the influence, and driving during poor weather conditions.  No license shall be issued until the director is satisfied that the applicant is a proper person to receive it.  No physical defect of an applicant shall prohibit the applicant from receiving a license unless it can be shown by common experience that such defect results in an incapacity to safely drive a motor vehicle, except as provided in RSA 263:13.

2  New Paragraph;  License Renewal; Visual Acuity Examination.  Amend RSA 263:10 by inserting after paragraph II the following new paragraph:

III.(a)  A person renewing a driver's license shall pass an examination for visual acuity as prescribed by the director:

(1)  At the time of the first license renewal after attaining 40 years of age.

(2)  At every second license renewal after the renewal described in subparagraph (1) until attaining 62 years of age.

(3)  At every license renewal after attaining 62 years of age.

(b)  In lieu of a visual acuity test administered by the department, a person may submit a certificate signed by a licensed physician, physician assistant, optometrist, or advanced practice registered nurse in a form acceptable to the director that sets forth the person's visual acuity in each eye and in both eyes combined and the person's field of vision.  The certificate shall indicate that it is based on an examination completed within one year of the date of the renewal application.  A person renewing his or her license on-line in accordance with paragraph II may submit the certificate by mail or in an electronic format approved by the director.  An applicant may not certify his or her own visual acuity.

3  Effective Date.  This act shall take effect 60 days after its passage.

Links


Date Body Type
Feb. 21, 2017 House Hearing
Feb. 22, 2017 House Exec Session
March 8, 2017 House Floor Vote

Bill Text Revisions

HB416 Revision: 761 Date: Jan. 27, 2017, 12:13 p.m.

Docket


March 8, 2017: Inexpedient to Legislate: MA VV 03/08/2017 HJ 9 P. 48


March 8, 2017: Committee Report: Inexpedient to Legislate for 03/08/2017 (Vote 13-0; CC)


Feb. 22, 2017: Executive Session: 02/22/2017 LOB 203


Feb. 21, 2017: Public Hearing: 02/21/2017 10:00 AM LOB 203


Jan. 5, 2017: Introduced 01/05/2017 and referred to Transportation HJ 3 P. 11