Is it mandatory to carry spare glasses when driving?
Good vision is essential to ensure safety while driving . However, what happens if your main glasses get lost or damaged while driving?
In this article we tell you whether it is mandatory to carry spare glasses when driving and the importance of having them in case of emergency.
Requirements for drivers with vision problems: Is it mandatory to carry spare glasses when driving?
The General Regulations for Drivers do not establish the obligation to carry spare glasses when driving . However, there are certain requirements that you must meet:
- Vision test : All drivers must undergo a vision test. This test is part of the medical examinations required to obtain or renew a driving licence.
- Mandatory use of glasses : If the test determines that vision correction is necessary, it will be indicated on your driving licence that you must wear glasses. You can also drive with contact lenses instead of glasses. The important thing is to ensure that the driver can see clearly and correctly perceive stimuli on the road.
Driving without the prescribed visual correction is a serious offence. If the driver is stopped by a police checkpoint, he or she will have to pay a fine of €200 .
What is the glasses code on the driver's license?
In addition to authorising you to drive a vehicle, your driving licence includes information about your limitations and requirements for driving safely. On the back of your licence you will find the glasses code in section 12, where the restrictions and observations are detailed.
If you need to wear glasses to drive, you will see the number combination 01.01 . This code indicates to the authorities that, according to your vision test, you need to wear corrective glasses to meet the minimum vision requirements while driving.
Code 01.02 will appear if you use contact lenses instead of glasses when driving. If you use both glasses and contact lenses, you will see the combination 01.06 .
Situations in which it is advisable to carry spare glasses
While it's not mandatory to carry a spare pair of glasses while driving, having an extra pair is a smart move that can save you in a pinch . Here are some situations where carrying a second pair of glasses can make all the difference:
Loss or damage to main glasses
Imagine if you drop and break your glasses during a trip, or forget them in a restaurant. In these cases, having a spare pair of glasses will allow you to continue on your way safely.
Scratches on the glass that affect vision
A small scratch on your glasses can turn into an annoying reflection in sunlight or other vehicles' headlights. Therefore, having a spare pair will allow you to replace them and continue driving in complete safety.
Adaptation to light conditions
Driving in bright sunlight can be very annoying and even dangerous if you don't protect your eyes properly. Carrying prescription sunglasses in the glove compartment will allow you to adapt to changes in light and drive more comfortably and safely. At Óptica Bassol, almost all of our sunglasses can be prescription .
Recommendations for carrying spare glasses
Make sure your glasses are in top condition and protected from damage. Follow these recommendations:
Protective cases to prevent damage
Store your spare glasses in a hard, shock-resistant case. These cases offer the best protection against scratches and breakages caused by movement or possible impacts inside the car.
Strategic location
Choose a safe and accessible place in your car to store the case, such as the glove compartment. Also, avoid leaving it exposed to sunlight or extreme temperatures, as these could affect the materials of the frame.
Revision
Just like your primary glasses, check the condition of your spare glasses regularly. Look for possible scratches on the lenses, loose screws or deformations in the frame.
Renewal when necessary
If your replacement glasses are significantly damaged or have lost their prescription, it's time to replace them.
Importance of good vision when driving
It is estimated that around 90% of the information we process when driving comes from what we perceive with our eyes. Vision therefore plays a crucial role in ensuring our safety and that of others on the road. Good vision allows the driver to:
Accuracy in calculating distances and depths
Correct distance and depth perception is essential for safely performing manoeuvres such as overtaking, merging or parking. In these situations, a small miscalculation can have serious consequences.
Early detection of signs and obstacles
Quickly identifying traffic signs, obstacles on the road, pedestrians, cyclists and other vehicles allows the driver to anticipate risky situations and react in time. Poor vision can delay the detection of these elements and increase reaction time, increasing the risk of accidents.
Safe driving at night and under adverse lighting conditions
Good vision allows us to clearly distinguish objects and people in low-light conditions, especially in the dark, when our visual acuity is reduced by approximately 70%. Therefore, night vision and the ability to adapt to changes in light are essential to avoid accidents on the road.
Which replacement glasses should I choose?
While it is not mandatory to carry spare glasses when driving, having an extra pair can have a big impact on your safety behind the wheel. At Óptica Bassol we have a wide range of designs that stand out for their quality and original style .
If you like colourful and eye-catching designs, we recommend taking a look at the WOOW SHINE ON 1 2694, Etnia Barcelona ARRECIFE GR 52 and Etnia Barcelona POSIDONIA RD 52. If, on the other hand, you are looking for a more classic look, the Boss BOSS 1642 ANS 55, Hugo HG 1309 MFK 56, Lunor M9 02 SWS 44 models are ideal for you.
Get the best replacement glasses for driving!
At Óptica Bassol you will find a wide selection of glasses from the best brands that suit your needs and style. We offer shipping to all countries in the world and if you are in the peninsula, it is totally free!
If for any reason you are not satisfied with your purchase, don't worry. We have an exchange and return policy that will allow you to make any exchange or return without problems within a period of 14 days. You can also schedule an appointment and visit us at one of our branches in Barcelona .
