If you need visual aids, you must not do without them in road traffic - otherwise it can quickly become expensive and dangerous. Driving without glasses is not a minor offence, but an infringement of the conditions of your driving licence. Even if you don't have an accident, you could be fined, but if you do have an accident, the consequences can be much more serious - including criminal prosecution and problems with your insurance.
In this article, you will learn about the penalties for driving without glasses, when it is considered negligence and what effects an accident without visual aids can have on your liability and insurance cover.
- If you drive without glasses, you will be fined at least 25 Euro.
- If you cause an accident, it can be very expensive for you. Your insurance company may also reduce your benefits.
- If an accident without glasses results in injury or death, you may be accused of (gross) negligence and receive a prison sentence.
- Our tip: simply keep a spare pair of glasses in your car.
How much does it cost to drive without glasses?
If you drive without visual aids despite having poor eyesight, this can be very expensive depending on the level of risk involved. You are then in breach of § Section 23 (2), § 75 FeV; § 24 StVG; 169 BKatby driving a motor vehicle without complying with the requirements. If you are caught committing this offence, you will have to pay a Warning fine of 25 euros pay. As a rule, you do not have to reckon with points in Flensburg, but it can happen that the police prohibit you from continuing your journey.
What are the penalties for having an accident without glasses?
However, if you have an accident while driving without glasses, you may face further consequences in addition to the aforementioned warning fine. You may be accused of simple or - in the worst case - gross negligence. This accusation can have a major impact on the extent of the compensation claims to be paid.
According to Section 276 Paragraph 2 of the German Civil Code (BGB), anyone who disregards the care required in traffic is negligent. Anyone who disregards this care to a particularly high degree is grossly negligent.
From a criminal law perspective in particular, the accusation of negligence can be detrimental to you. If there are injuries or even deaths as a result of the accident, you may be liable to prosecution for negligent bodily injury or negligent homicide.
This is by no means a minor offence! Anyone who commits an offence of simple negligent bodily harm under Section 229 of the German Criminal Code (StGB) can expect a prison sentence of up to three years or a fine. In the case of involuntary manslaughter under Section 222 of the German Criminal Code (StGB), you could even face five years' imprisonment or a fine. In addition, there may be 3 points in Flensburg and the driver's licence may be revoked.
Note:
This is not an exhaustive list. Depending on the behaviour, other offences may also be fulfilled.
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Why is driving without glasses a criminal offence?
Clear vision while driving deteriorates enormously, especially for spectacle wearers, if the visual aid has been forgotten. Such impaired vision increases the risk of accidents - and this is not only dangerous for you as the driver, but also for other road users.
Our tip for youTo avoid having to drive without your glasses in the first place, we recommend that you simply leave your spare glasses or spare contact lenses in your car. This way, you won't endanger yourself or others if you misplace or forget your glasses. Forgetting does not count as an excuse if you are caught driving without glasses by the police.
How do the police know who needs glasses to drive?
You might assume that the police can tell from the driving licence photo whether the driver needs glasses to drive. However, this is not correct. Rather, the decisive factor is whether the key number "01" is noted on your driving licence. This indicates that you are dependent on a visual aid when driving. You may remember that you had to take an eye test before obtaining your driving licence. You must have at least 70 per cent visual acuity certified. You are dependent on a visual aid when driving if you can only achieve this level of vision with glasses or contact lenses.
If you are dependent on a visual aid when driving, this will be noted on the back of your driving licence at the bottom in line "12.". Various code numbers can be entered in this line.
This indicates the restrictions that apply to you. For example, you may only drive in daylight or only with visual aids. Appendix 9 to Section 25 (3) of the Driving Licence Ordinance (FeV) explains the respective code numbers in more detail. The code number "01" means that you are dependent on a visual aid when driving. This code number can also be further specified:
- Key number "01.01": The driver is dependent on glasses.
- Key number "01.02": The driver is dependent on contact lenses.
- Key number "01.03": The driver is required to wear safety goggles.
However, often only the general code number "01" is noted. The driver can then decide for themselves whether they would prefer to wear glasses or contact lenses.
NoteIf the code number "01.01" is noted on your driving licence, this means that driving without glasses is not permitted even if you wear other visual aids such as contact lenses.
Does the insurance pay for an accident without glasses?
Driving without glasses can also have a detrimental effect on the benefits provided by your car insurance. In case of doubt, the insurance company will not cover the damage caused by gross negligence, or at least not in full. This is because the insurance company can make reductions in such cases in accordance with Section 26 of the German Insurance Contract Act (VVG).
What should I do if the other party in the accident was not wearing their glasses?
If it transpires after the accident that the other party was driving without glasses or contact lenses despite the corresponding requirement, you should make a note of this fact and inform the police and later also the insurance company or your legal advisor. It is important to have concrete evidence, such as statements from the driver, a note in the accident report or witnesses who can confirm that no prescribed visual aid was being worn. This is because driving without the necessary glasses can be a strong indication of negligence and play an important role in clarifying the question of liability. Therefore, do not get involved in discussions on the spot, but secure evidence, document the accident carefully and have it checked whether this entitles you to further claims for damages.
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Frequently asked questions about driving without glasses
What happens if I drive without glasses even though I need them?
You are committing an administrative offence. As a rule, you may be fined 25 euros. In addition, the police may prohibit you from continuing your journey until you are wearing your visual aid.
How do the police know that I have to wear glasses?
This is noted on your driving licence. The code number „01“ (e.g. 01.01 for glasses) indicates that you may only drive with visual aids. This requirement is mandatory.
What happens in an accident without glasses?
You may then be accused of negligence or even gross negligence. This can lead to higher claims for damages, points in Flensburg, driving licence disqualification and, in the worst case, criminal prosecution.
Does the insurance pay in the event of an accident without glasses?
Liability insurance generally pays the other party's damages. However, your own comprehensive insurance may reduce or refuse to pay if you are proven to be grossly negligent.
Is there a simple way to avoid problems?
Yes: Keep a spare pair of glasses in the car. This will help you avoid fines, risks in road traffic and possible problems with your insurance.
