Suffolk Police to conduct roadside eyesight checks

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 26 Oct, 16:31 · Archive

Suffolk Police will conduct roadside vision screenings as part of a national road safety campaign, with drivers failing tests risking immediate licence revocation.

Suffolk Police is conducting roadside vision screenings as part of the national Is Your Vision Roadworthy? campaign to highlight the legal requirement for drivers to meet minimum eyesight standards.

Drivers who fail the roadside test could have their licence immediately revoked if deemed unsafe under Cassie's Law. Chief Inspector Gary Miller said: 'Most drivers know that worn or defective tyres can result in a fine and penalty points, but they are less likely to realise that driving with uncorrected defective eyesight is punishable with a fine of up to £1,000, three penalty points and possible disqualification.' The law requires motorists to read a number plate from 20 metres away and have a visual acuity of 6/12 on the Snellen scale, with or without corrective lenses.

In 2025, 18 people died and around 3,000 were seriously injured annually on UK roads due to drivers with uncorrected or defective vision. Tim Passmore, police and crime commissioner for Suffolk, said: 'Every life lost on Suffolk's roads is one life too many. Many of these tragedies are preventable, which is why it is so important that drivers take responsibility for ensuring they are fit to drive.'

How it is being reported

• Drivers with poor eyesight could lose licence on the spot under new roadside checksSuffolk drivers with poor eyesight are being warned they could lose their licence on the spot under new roadside checks.East Anglian Daily Times · 26 Oct, 16:20
• Drivers with poor eyesight could lose licence on the spot under new roadside checksSuffolk drivers with poor eyesight are being warned they could lose their licence on the spot under new roadside checks.Ipswich Star · 26 Oct, 16:20

In this story: Suffolk Police · Chief Inspector Gary Miller · Tim Passmore · Norfolk and Suffolk

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