Never has it been more important to have a pair of glasses or contacts with you for when you are driving!

Are Police Roadside Vision Checks the New Normal? Here's What You Need to Know

There’s been quite the buzz in the news lately about police forces carrying out random roadside eyesight tests on drivers and even revoking licenses on the spot. If you're a driver, you might be wondering: Can they really do this? Let's break it down.

Can the Police Stop You?

Yes! Any uniformed police officer has the legal authority to stop a driver under Section 163 of the Road Traffic Act 1988. If you refuse to stop, you’re committing an offence.
However, if the officer isn’t in uniform, the request to stop doesn’t carry a penalty if you decide not to comply.

What Are the Rules About Eyesight and Driving?

Legally, you must be able to read a car’s registration plate from 20 meters away (roughly five car lengths). Driving with defective eyesight that’s not corrected (e.g., with glasses or contacts) is an offence.

Roadside Eye Tests – What’s the Deal?

The police may ask you to take a voluntary eyesight test at the roadside. This might involve reading a number plate. If you decline, it could make them suspect your vision isn’t up to scratch.

In some cases, if they suspect your eyesight is impaired, they can require you to take a test under Section 96 of the Road Traffic Act 1988. These tests must be done in good natural light, between 8 AM and 9 PM.

What Happens If You Refuse or Fail?

If you refuse a vision test or fail it, there are consequences. You could face:

• A fine
• Discretionary disqualification
• Three penalty points on your license

Additionally, the police can report you to the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency). From there, your license could be revoked within hours under a fast-track system. You won’t get it back until you prove your eyesight meets the required standard.

Why Is This Making Headlines Now?

Although the fast-track license revocation system has been around since 2013, it’s recently gained attention because three police forces have announced plans to carry out roadside vision checks. There’s even talk of extending this policy nationwide.

The issue is significant—studies by the Association of Optometrists suggest that up to 1 million people in the UK could be driving illegally due to poor eyesight. According to RSA Insurance, defective eyesight contributes to around 3,000 road casualties every year.

What Could This Mean for the Future?

The current police initiative is gathering data to gauge the extent of the problem. If the findings justify it, we might see mandatory vision tests introduced at specific milestones after passing your driving test.

Final Thoughts

Driving safely isn’t just about following traffic laws—it’s also about ensuring you’re physically capable, and good eyesight is a big part of that. If you’re a driver, now might be a good time to book an eye test and make sure you’re meeting the standards.

Stay safe, and see you on the road! 🚗👓