03/11/2025
Did you know that legally, drivers must be able to read a number plate from 20 meters away, which is roughly five car lengths. If you can’t, you shouldn’t be driving.
Don't risk it, check your eyesight with Alex Gage Family Optometrist Woodseats.
NEWS: Roadside eye tests carried out as part of dark nights
With the clocks now changed, many commuters are travelling in dim light or darkness.
We are supporting the national ‘Dark Nights- eyesight’ campaign and taking proactive steps to ensure poor eyesight isn’t a contributing factor in road collisions during these darker months.
Inspector Matt Collings from the Roads Policing Group said: “Poor eyesight puts lives at risk.
“Being able to clearly see a hazard and react quickly enough could be the difference between life and death.
“Legally, drivers must be able to read a number plate from 20 meters away, which is roughly five car lengths. If you can’t, you shouldn’t be driving.”
This week, roads policing officers from SYP Operational Support have conducted stop sites across South Yorkshire and requested drivers to read number plates from a 20 meter distance, as well as talking to them about the importance of headlights and brake lights.
Insp Collings added: “This is daily business for us during our patrols, but supporting the national campaign allows us to highlight the risk the darkness brings for all road users.
“Alongside driver checks, we are raising awareness among pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders about the importance of reflective clothing and crossing in safer places.”
👀 Drivers are reminded of the consequences of failing to meet eyesight standards:
Fine up to £1,000 – for driving with uncorrected or defective vision
Three penalty points – for not meeting legal vision requirements
Immediate licence revocation – under Cassie’s Law, police can revoke a licence on the spot if a driver fails a roadside vision test
Disqualification from driving – in serious cases, especially if poor vision causes or contributes to an accident
DVLA notification requirement – drivers must report any eyesight condition affecting both eyes (or the remaining eye if monocular); failure to do so may lead to prosecution
Please help us share the message, speak to your relatives and friends.