A new law in Virginia requires drivers over the age of 80 to pass a vision screening test before the states Department of Motor Vehicles will renew their drivers licenses. The new law, passed by the states general assembly, stipulates a persons visual acuity must be at least 20/40 with or without corrective lenses. Drivers may also qualify for a restricted license to drive during daylight hours if their visual acuity is at least 20/70.

Drivers may take a vision test at the DMV or opt to have their vision tested by an eye-care professional within 90 days of the renewal date. If a person does not pass the test issued by the state DMV, they may seek an optometrists evaluation, the results of which will have precedence over the DMV evaluation.

According to the Federal Highway Safety Administration, nearly half of fatal crashes involving drivers over the age of 80 happen at intersections and involve more than one vehicle. Compare this with 23% for drivers up to age 50.