H.284 proposes vision screening at license renewal and new RV permit rules after fatal crashes cited

Representative Molly Burke presented H.284, which would require vision screening at driver's license renewal beginning at age 70 and create a special permit endorsement for operating recreational vehicles (RVs) within defined weight classes and a commercial driver’s license requirement for heavier RVs. Burke said the bill was prompted by local crashes involving older drivers operating RVs and by constituent testimony about ocular conditions that impaired driving.

Burke noted that other northeastern states require vision screens at various ages (New York screens all ages, New Hampshire screens all ages, Maine at 65, Massachusetts at 75, Rhode Island at 70) and that Vermont and Connecticut currently do not require vision screening at renewal. She described a constituent’s case in which an 82‑year‑old RV driver hit a bicyclist and could not read insurance details; another account described ocular dementia discovered during discovery.

Committee members raised detailed questions about thresholds, testing methods, burdens on residents and visitors, and the administrative process. Questions included whether states that screen also require additional testing beyond vision (for cognitive impairment), how rental RVs and out‑of‑state drivers would be handled, and whether the RV permit would disadvantage Vermont residents. Burke and others said those implementation details would be worked out with stakeholder testimony if the committee takes the bill up.

No committee vote occurred. Members signaled interest in the concept but noted many technical and equity questions to resolve before advancing legislation.