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Kearns warns drivers of risk of license suspension

Fri, Apr 28th 2023 09:20 am

Motorists need to complete vision testing

Erie County Clerk Michael P. Kearns and the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles are warning drivers they are in risk of having their driver’s license suspended if they fail to comply with New York state DMV’s vision screening policy.

A press release stated, “Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, motorists were allowed to renew their New York state driver license online by self-certifying their vision. By doing so, they agreed to submit a vision test within one year of that date. If your driver’s license expired between March 1, 2020, and Aug. 31, 2021, and you received such a notification, you are one of the affected motorists.”

Kearns said, “We are asking those who self-certified their vision online to complete the screening process. If you fail to submit your vision test results, or take one at your local DMV office, you are putting your driving privileges in jeopardy of immediate suspension. Do not ignore this final reminder.”

Kearns said the NYS DMV recently sent final notices to drivers who renewed their driver license online and chose to defer their vision test upon renewal. His team said, “This stems from more than 150,000 drivers who have yet to obey past communications from the DMV.”

There are three options to show that you have visual acuity of at least 20/40 (based on the Snellen Visual Acuity Scale) in either or both eyes, with or without corrective lenses, in order to meet the state DMV requirement:

√ Pass a vision test by an approved provider and the provider will enter the results to the DMV's vision registry for you;

√ If you pass a vision test from a provider that is not approved to be in DMV's Vision Registry, your provider must complete a vision test report (MV-619), and you can submit the original copy by mail: Erie County Auto Bureau, 170 Pearl St., Buffalo, NY 14202, Attn: Vision Results;

√ Visit any Erie County Auto Bureau, bring in your letter, and the vision test will be administered for free.

Kearns added, “I suggest making an appointment to ensure you get in and out quickly. We do accept walk-ins and will accommodate you as swiftly as possible, however, appointments do take preference.”

To schedule your same- or next-day appointment, visit erie.gov/clerk/autobureau or call the Erie County Clerk’s Outreach Center at 716-858-8864 for additional assistance.

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