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Driving with low vision is complicated. Every state also has its own rules and regulations on driving with low vision. A summary of the various laws are as follows:
District of Columbia
- If your vision is 20/40 or better with best correction, you may obtain an unrestricted license.
- If your vision is 20/70 or better, you may obtain a restricted license.
- If your vision is 20/100 or worse, you cannot obtain a license, even with a telescopic low vision device.
Maryland
- If your best corrected visual acuity is 20/40 or better, you may obtain an unrestricted license.
- If your vision is 20/70 or better, you may obtain a restricted license (A "restricted" license allows driving between dawn and dusk with extra side mirrors.)
- If your vision is between 20/70 and 20/100, you can apply for a license at the discretion of your eye doctor with or without a telescopic device, but you must undergo at least 20 hours of a driving program and training before you can take the test. Ask your eye doctor or low vision specialist for more information.
Virginia
- If your vision is 20/40 or better, you may obtain an unrestricted license.
- If your vision is 20/70 or better, you may obtain a restricted license.
- If your vision is between 20/70 and 20/200, it is possible to get a license if you use a telescopic device that can correct vision to 20/70.
Public transportation services are also available for those people with low vision who are unable to drive.
The following transportation services are available area wide or by county:
Area Wide
METRO Access
With a METRO Access card, you and a guest may ride free on metro bus and metro rail.
To apply, check application status or schedule transportation: (301) 562-5360
AMTRAK
General Assistance and Special Assistance/Disabilities: (800) 523-6590
Greyhound Bus Lines
Special Assistance/Disabilities: (800) 752-4841
www.greyhound.com
District of Columbia
Barney Neighborhood Aging Programs (Wards 1 and 4)
(202) 939-9019
Iona House (Ward 3)
Transportation Coordinator: (202) 895-9448
Senior Citizens Counseling and Delivery Service (Ward 8)
Transportation Coordinator: (202) 678-2800
Maryland
Montgomery County
Connect-A-Ride
(301) 738-3252
www.jcagw.org
FISH/HELP Organizations
Bethesda: (301) 294-4888
Olney: (301) 774-4334
Western Upper County: (301) 972-8481
Montgomery Senior Information
(240) 777-3000
www.montgomerycountymd.gov
Prince George's County
PARATRANSIT
(301) 265-8450
CALL-A-BUS
(301) 499-8603
www.goprincegeorgescounty.com
Prince George's County Office of Transportation
Division of Transit: (301) 883-5700
www.goprincegeorgescounty.com
Viriginia
Alexandria
Connect-A-Ride
(703) 323-6494
www.jcagw.org
Office of Transit Services
(703) 838-8000
www.ci.alexandria.va.us
Arlington County
Arlington County Government Agency on Aging
(703) 228-1700
STAR (Must belong to METRO Access)
(703) 892-8747
Fairfax/Falls Church
Fairfax County Department of Transportation
Seniors on the Go (financial need-based for eligibility): (703) 324-1172
Taxi Access (Must belong to METRO Access)
(703) 324-1172 |
