A police sergeant has issued an urgent warning to every holder of a UK driving licence, highlighting a critical legal requirement that could see your licence revoked if ignored.
The Critical Eyesight Check You Must Perform
Sergeant Owen Messenger, who serves with Devon and Cornwall Police's Road Casualty Reduction unit, delivered the stark advice via the popular TikTok account @GeorgesCarMedia. He emphasised that all drivers must be able to read a standard vehicle number plate from a distance of 20 metres.
He recommended drivers test themselves, suggesting using a tape measure or taking approximately 20 large steps away from a parked car to check they can clearly read its plate. This rule applies to everyone, regardless of whether they currently use corrective lenses like glasses or contact lenses.
Regular Optician Visits Are Non-Negotiable
Sergeant Messenger provided crucial guidance for specific groups of drivers. He stated that anyone who relies on corrective vision must have their eyesight tested regularly by a qualified optician.
He also highlighted the risks for older drivers, noting that vision deterioration can be so gradual that individuals may not notice the decline themselves. His summary was clear: "So if you're getting older, you're wearing glasses or corrective vision, make sure you're having regular eyesight tests, and make sure you can read that number plate from 20 metres."
The Legal Consequences: Cassie's Law and Licence Revocation
The warning carries significant legal weight. If you are involved in a collision or are stopped by police, officers can administer an on-the-spot eyesight test. Failure to pass this test can lead to the immediate revocation of your driving licence.
Police utilise what is commonly known as Cassie's Law. Enacted in 2013, this law is named after 16-year-old Cassie McCord from Colchester, Essex, who was killed when an 87-year-old driver lost control of his car. Tragically, the driver had failed a police eyesight test just the day before but was allowed to continue driving due to a legal loophole that has since been closed.
Now, officers can request the DVLA to urgently revoke a licence if they believe a driver's poor eyesight poses a risk to public safety. If your licence is revoked, you face a disqualification period and must reapply for a new licence, potentially needing to provide medical evidence of your fitness to drive.
The DVLA's official standards state you must have a visual acuity of at least decimal 0.5 (6/12) on the Snellen scale and an adequate field of vision. An optician can perform the necessary tests to confirm you meet these legal requirements for driving.
