Photo: G. Edward Johnson, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Maryland has a bioptic telescope statute, Transportation Article section 16-110.2, but read it carefully: its last subsection says it applies only to people granted a license under it on or before 30 September 1997 who continue to qualify. New applicants today come under the MVA’s bioptic regulation, COMAR 11.17.05, which uses the same vision figures: 20/100 with ordinary lenses, a 150-degree field and 20/70 through the telescope.
What section 16-110.2 says
| Requirement | Statute |
|---|---|
| Vision with ordinary lenses | 20/100 in one or both eyes |
| Field of vision | 150 degrees horizontal, or 100 degrees with vision in one eye only |
| Through the telescope | 20/70, without field expanders |
| Medical review | An eye exam report from a licensed ophthalmologist or optometrist, reviewed by the Medical Advisory Board (section 16-118) |
| License | Noncommercial Class C |
| Learner’s permit | Available to applicants who meet the vision standards |
| Hours | Half an hour after sunrise to half an hour before sunset; license endorsed “daylight driving only” |
| Night driving | 20/40 through the telescope without field expanders, at least one year licensed under the section, and a nighttime skills test |
| Who it covers | Only those licensed under it on or before 30 September 1997 who continue to qualify |
The statute defines a bioptic telescopic lens as a spectacle-mounted telescope placed at the top of a corrective lens.
What about new bioptic drivers in Maryland?
The MVA regulation on bioptic lenses, COMAR 11.17.05, applies to any applicant. It has no 1997 cut-off.
| Requirement | COMAR 11.17.05 |
|---|---|
| Vision with ordinary lenses | At least 20/100 in one or both eyes |
| Field of vision | 150 degrees horizontal, or at least 100 degrees with vision in one eye only |
| Through the telescope | At least 20/70 in one or both eyes, without field expanders |
| Eye doctor’s statement | From a licensed optometrist or ophthalmologist. You must have had the bioptic for at least 60 days and received instruction at least equal to the regulation’s suggested training |
| Training content | Finding still and moving objects through the telescope, brief glances, and judging daylight, dusk and night conditions |
| Skills test | Required if you have not already passed one wearing the bioptic |
| Medical Advisory Board | Referral if your vision loss comes from a medical condition or is not stable |
| License | Noncommercial Class C only, for vehicles up to 10,000 lb GVW. You can ask for a vision re-exam to remove a vision restriction |
The regulation itself does not set daylight-only hours; the MVA adds restrictions it considers appropriate. Also confirmed:
- The MVA standard for an unrestricted noncommercial license is 20/40 or better in each eye with a continuous field of at least 140 degrees. Restricted and low-vision categories also exist.
- The MVA’s vision form for eye care providers tells them not to enter acuities achieved with telescopic lenses in the standard acuity chart. So the telescope is not used to meet the ordinary standard.
- Maryland uses a Medical Advisory Board to review drivers with medical and vision conditions.
Secondary summaries mention a red, green and amber color test for bioptic applicants. Check this with the MVA.
How to start
- Ask your optometrist or ophthalmologist to complete the MVA vision form, with full details of your bioptic.
- Contact the MVA’s medical review office and ask what the Medical Advisory Board needs from a new bioptic applicant.
- Ask about training. A driver rehabilitation specialist with bioptic experience can help: see learning to drive with a disability.
- Follow the usual Maryland learner steps once approved: see learning to drive in Maryland.
Questions about your own vision are for your eye doctor. This guide covers licensing rules only.
How Maryland compares
The statute’s figures mirror Virginia’s 20/70 telescope and night-driving rules: see Virginia bioptic driving rules. Neighboring Pennsylvania runs a structured permit and training program. For every state, see bioptic driving laws by state and the Northeast vision rules.
All medical and disability topics: the US guide to driving with a medical condition or disability.
Want to practise the eyesight check? Our sister site Driving Eyesight Test has a free US letter chart on drivingeyesighttest.com. It is a practice screen, not an eye test.
Sources
- Maryland General Assembly, “Transportation Article section 16-110.2” (mgaleg.maryland.gov)
- Code of Maryland Regulations 11.17.05, “Use of Bioptic Telescopic Lenses”, regulations .02 to .06 (text via law.cornell.edu)
- Maryland MVA, “Vision Tests and Requirements” (mva.maryland.gov)
- Maryland MVA, “Vision Certification Information for Eye Care Providers” and form DL-043A (mva.maryland.gov)