MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

1999 Regular Session

To: Judiciary

By: Senator(s) Mettetal

AN ACT TO AUTHORIZE THE COMMISSIONER OF PUBLIC SAFETY TO ISSUE A LIMITED DRIVER'S LICENSE FOR PERSONS USING BIOPTIC TELESCOPIC LENSES OR A DRIVING REHABILITATION PERMIT; TO PROVIDE A FEE AND PLACE RESTRICTIONS ON SUCH LICENSES AND PERMITS; TO AUTHORIZE THE COMMISSIONER OF PUBLIC SAFETY TO ISSUE REGULATIONS GOVERNING SUCH LICENSES AND PERMITS; TO AMEND SECTION 63-1-33, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, IN CONFORMITY; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:

SECTION 1. (1) The Commissioner of Public Safety may issue a limited driver's license for persons using bioptic telescopic lenses. The license shall be valid for one (1) year from the date of issuance. The commissioner may require the reevaluation of a licensee before the reissuance of a limited driver's license.

(2) The commissioner shall prepare and administer a test for the central and peripheral vision of persons using bioptic telescopic lenses. If the person passes the test and is otherwise qualified, the person may receive a license under this section.

(3) The commissioner may issue a one-year driving rehabilitation permit subject to such restrictions as the commissioner may require.

(4) The fee for a license or permit issued under this section shall be the fee required for one-year licenses under Section 63-1-43, Mississippi Code of 1972.

(5) The commissioner may impose restrictions on any license or permit issued under this section and may issue rules and regulations governing such licenses and permits.

SECTION 2. Section 63-1-33, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

63-1-33. It shall be the duty of the license examiner, when application is made for an operator's license or temporary driving permit, to test the applicant's ability to read and understand road signs and to give the required signals as adopted by the National Advisory Committee on Uniform Traffic Control Devices and the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators.

The commissioner shall have prepared and administer a test composed of at least ten (10) questions relating to the safe operation of a motor vehicle and testing the applicant's knowledge of the proper operation of a motor vehicle.

Prior to the administration of the test the license examiner shall inspect the horn, lights, brakes, inspection certificate and vehicle registration of the motor vehicle which the applicant expects to operate while being tested, and if he finds that any of the aforementioned items are deficient, no license or endorsement shall be issued to the applicant until same have been repaired.

Except as otherwise provided by Section 63-1-6, when application is made for an original motorcycle endorsement or a restricted motorcycle operator's license, the applicant shall be required to pass a written test which consists of questions relating to the safe operation of a motorcycle and a skill test similar to the "Motorcycle Operator Skill Test," which is endorsed by the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators. The commissioner may exempt any applicant from the skill test if the applicant presents a certificate showing successful completion of a course approved by the commissioner, which includes a similar examination of skills needed in the safe operation of a motorcycle.

SECTION 3. Section 1 shall be codified in Chapter 1 of Title 63, Mississippi Code of 1972.

SECTION 4. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 1999.