Can I drive with one ‘good’ eye in France?

There is no law against driving in France even if you only have one eye, or effectively only one eye due to poor vision

French law states that the combined figure of the two eyes must not be less than 5/10, so if one eye is 1/10 then the other must be at least 5/10
Liv Rowland
Published Modified

Reader question: I only have one ‘good’ eye but I have always been allowed to drive in the UK. Is it the same in France?

Visual acuity (clarity) is measured in France according to tenths, so 10/10 would be perfect vision and 1/10 would be almost completely blind.

The law states that the combined figure of the two eyes must not be less than 5/10, so if one eye is 1/10 then the other must be at least 5/10.

It is possible, if necessary, to reach the required level by wearing glasses or contact lenses, but if this is the case you must use them while driving.

If you have a French licence, this is shown by a code number 01 on the licence.

If you have an accident and were not wearing glasses if you need them, this can also cause insurance to be invalidated.

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