Is it mandatory to carry spare glasses when driving?

Good vision is essential to ensure safe driving. However, what happens if you lose or damage your main glasses during the trip?

In this article we tell you whether it is mandatory to wear spare glasses for driving and the importance of having them in case of emergency.

Requirements for visually impaired drivers: is it mandatory to wear spare glasses for driving?

The General Regulations for Drivers do not establish that it is mandatory to wear spare glasses for driving. Even so, there are certain requirements that you must comply with:

• Visual examination: all drivers must undergo a visual examination. This examination is part of the medical examinations to obtain or renew the driving license.
• Mandatory use of glasses: If the examination determines that vision correction is necessary, it will be indicated on your driver's license 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 vision correction is a serious offence. If the driver is stopped by a police control, he/she will have to pay a fine of 200€.

What is the code for glasses on the driver's license?

In addition to entitling you to drive a vehicle, the driver's license includes information about your limitations and requirements to do so safely. On the back of the license you will find the glasses code in section 12, which details the restrictions and observations.

If you need to wear glasses for driving, you will see the number combination 01.01. This coding indicates to the authorities that, based on your vision test, you need to wear corrective glasses to meet the minimum vision requirements for driving.

Code 01.02 will appear if, instead of glasses, you wear contact lenses while driving. If you wear both glasses and contact lenses, you will see the combination 01.06.

Situations in which it is advisable to wear spare spectacles

Although it's not mandatory to wear spare glasses for driving, having an extra pair is a smart decision that can save you from a pinch. Here are some situations where carrying a second pair of glasses can make a difference:

Loss or damage to your main glasses.

Imagine dropping and breaking your glasses while traveling, or forgetting 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 lenses that affect vision

A small scratch on your glasses can become an annoying reflection in the sunlight or the headlights of other vehicles. Therefore, having a spare pair of glasses will allow you to replace them and continue driving safely.

Adapting to light conditions

Driving in bright sunlight can be very uncomfortable and even dangerous if you do not protect your eyesight properly. Carrying prescription sunglasses in the glove compartment will allow you to adapt to light changes and drive more comfortably and safely. In Optica Bassol almost all our sunglasses can be graduated.

Recommendations for carrying spare glasses

Make sure your glasses are in good condition and protected from damage. Follow these recommendations:

Protective cases to avoid damage.

Keep your spare glasses in a rigid, shock-resistant case. These cases offer the best protection against scratches and breakage caused by movement or possible impacts inside the car.

Strategic location

Choose a safe and accessible place inside the car to store the case, such as the glove compartment. Also, avoid leaving it exposed to the sun or extreme temperatures, which could affect the frame materials.

Check

Just like your main glasses, periodically check the condition of your spare glasses. Look for scratches in the lenses, loosening of screws or deformations in the frame.

Renewal when necessary

If the spare glasses have considerable damage or have lost their prescription, it is time to renew them.

Importance of good vision when driving

It is estimated that about 90% of the information we process when driving comes from what we perceive with our eyes. Therefore, vision plays a crucial role in ensuring our safety and that of others on the road. Good vision allows the driver

Accuracy when calculating distances and depths.

Correct distance and depth perception is essential to perform maneuvers such as overtaking, merging or parking safely. 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 enables 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%. Night vision and the ability to adapt to changes in light are therefore essential to avoid accidents on the road.

Which spare glasses to choose?

Although it is not mandatory to wear spare glasses for driving, having an extra pair can have a great impact on your safety at the wheel. At Optica Bassol we have a wide range of designs that stand out for their quality and original style.

If colorful and striking designs are your thing, we recommend you take 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!

In Optica 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's 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 14 days. You can also make an appointment to visit us at one of our branches in Barcelona.