Under a new law, Pennsylvanians with visual impairments who previously couldn't obtain a driver's license in the state, may now have that opportunity.
Act 131 of 2020, which was signed into law by Governor Tom Wolf, allows those eligible to use special lenses known as bioptic telescope lenses to meet visual requirements to obtain a license.
Use of these lenses for visually impaired drivers is already permitted in 28 other states according to the Wolf administration.
Act 131 also updates conviction and violation reporting requirements for those with commercial driver's license and allows the state to be in compliance with upcoming federal CDL requirements. Among those requirements is a lifetime CDL disqualification for drivers who have human trafficking convictions.
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The new law also allows Pennsylvanians who are homeless to receive a free photo ID or renew a current ID.
“This new law makes significant changes to increasing many of our residents’ independence, ultimately enhancing their quality of life,” said PennDOT Secretary Yassmin Gramian.
More information about PennDOT services can be found on their website.