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County clerk concerned for motorists’ safety if mandatory renewal eye exams dropped

Posted 9/29/11

CANTON -- St. Lawrence County Clerk Gavin Regan is concerned that a new state initiative could jeopardize the health and safety of motorists in St. Lawrence County and New York State. Effective Sept. …

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County clerk concerned for motorists’ safety if mandatory renewal eye exams dropped

Posted

CANTON -- St. Lawrence County Clerk Gavin Regan is concerned that a new state initiative could jeopardize the health and safety of motorists in St. Lawrence County and New York State.

Effective Sept. 28, people renewing their driver’s licenses are permitted to self-certify that they have 20/40 or better vision, which allows them to bypass what has been a mandatory vision test for renewal.

"What’s to stop someone with melanoma, cataracts, or other severe eye problems that may have occurred during the length of the license from signing this self certifying claim that their vision is something much better than it is?" Regan said.

"I am not one to try to inconvenience any motorist, but the present initiative goes a long way to ensure that people are properly tested and their license is accurate. We have many renewals that fail the eye test and have to get their eyes rechecked when they come to the DMV, a safeguard that is eliminated due to this new initiative," Regan said.

The county clerk also wanted to remind motorists to visit a local DMV office when renewing registrations and licenses so the fees stay in St. Lawrence County.