5,000 drivers placed out of service in 2025 for vision compliance violations
December 31, 2025
In 2025, approximately 5,000 commercial drivers were placed out of service (OOS) during roadside inspections for failing to meet vision qualification requirements, ranking as the #12 top driver OOS violation of the year.
The most common issue? Drivers whose licenses carried a “corrective lenses restriction” were not wearing glasses or contacts at the time of inspection. Previous years showed much lower volumes, with vision violations ranking at #17.
Regulatory requirements
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations are clear: If a driver’s license or medical certification indicates corrective lenses are required, the driver must be wearing them. Failure to do so results in an immediate out-of-service order and a citation. This rule applies even if the driver underwent vision correction surgery but neglected to update their license and medical certification.
Corrective vision surgery options have expanded significantly over the past 25 years, allowing many drivers to meet vision standards without glasses or contacts. However, compliance doesn’t end with surgery. Drivers must take a vision test at their state motor vehicle department to remove the corrective lenses restriction from their license and schedule an exam with a certified medical examiner to update their medical certification. Without these updates, drivers remain legally obligated to wear corrective lenses—even if they no longer need them.
The bottom line for vision requirements
Vision requirements are not just bureaucratic details; they are safety standards designed to protect drivers and the public. Ignoring them can lead to costly downtime, citations, and potential liability.
Ultimately, it’s important to understand that drivers who undergo vision correction must promptly update all documentation to avoid being sidelined.
December 31, 2025
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TypeIndustry News
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Related TopicsDriver qualifications
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