French licences show if you need glasses: fines possible if you drive without them
Insurers may not pay out in case of an accident
Failure to wear your glasses when driving can lead to fines, loss of driving licence points, and complications with insurance in case of an accident
Hadrian / Shutterstock
People with a visual impairment are required to wear glasses while driving as indicated on their licence or else risk a fine and invalidating their insurance in case of an accident.
Around 75% of French people report using some form of visual correction according to a 2023 study by eyewear maker Octika.
However, many are unaware that, in certain cases, wearing these while driving is not just a matter of comfort or precaution, but a legal obligation.
Failure to comply with this rule can lead to fines, loss of driving licence points, and complications with insurance in case of an accident.
If you are stopped by police and are found not to be wearing the required glasses / contact lenses, you may receive a €135 fine (reduced to €90 if paid promptly), along with a three-point deduction from your driving licence.
In theory, the maximum penalty can rise to €750 and drivers with few remaining points on their licence could suffer an immediate immobilisation of their vehicle and loss of driving rights.
Beyond fines and licence sanctions, there are also consequences for insurance.
If you cause an accident while not wearing your prescribed correction, even if your insurer covers the cost of damage to third parties it may refuse to cover your own damages - even if you hold an all-risks policy.
In accidents where you are not at fault, the opposing party may cite your failure to wear glasses in an attempt to argue for shared responsibility.
Read more: Can over-70s renew UK driving licences from France?
Visual correction on French licence
The requirement of a visual correction is indicated by the 01 code on driving licences.
This code, shown in column 12 of the licence, indicates that you are legally required to wear glasses or contact lenses when operating a vehicle.
More specific sub-codes, such as 01.01 or 01.02, indicate whether glasses or contact lenses are authorised exclusively.
Older licences may contain a handwritten note stating “port de verres correcteurs obligatoire”.
For those whose eyesight has improved following surgery or other treatment, it is important to have the 01 restriction removed from your licence.
This process involves contacting the prefecture, undergoing a medical test and submitting the necessary forms (including cerfa n°14880).
Once this has been approved, you will receive a new licence without the visual correction requirement.
