In several regions of Russia, drivers are increasingly facing an unexpected problem during document checks — traffic police inspectors are paying attention to the absence of glasses, even if the driver is driving in contact lenses. This situation can formally end in a large fine.
Driving a car with poor eyesight is allowed, but on one condition — the driver's license in the "Special marks" column indicates the need for vision correction.
Contact lenses are equated to glasses by law, but their use is difficult to prove visually. Inspectors take advantage of this, especially during inspections in other regions or on highways away from major cities.
If the license has a note about the need for glasses or lenses, and the inspector believes that there is no correction, the violation may be classified as driving without a license.
In this case, Article 12.7 of the Administrative Code of the Russian Federation applies — a fine of 5 to 15 thousand rubles and possible evacuation of the car to the impound lot. If the car belongs to another person, a fine of up to 30 thousand rubles threatens the owner as well.
It is almost impossible to prove the presence of contact lenses on the spot — this is not a medical examination, and showing a container with lenses is usually not accepted. To avoid conflict and evacuation of the car, drivers are advised to carry spare glasses in the car and wear them when checking documents.