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China relaxes driving restrictions for disabled people

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2009-12-18 14:09

China's Ministry of Public Security on Thursday issued an amendment to driving license rules, giving more disabled people the rights to sit behind the wheel.

Those with disabled right leg or both legs but able to sit up independently are allowed to drive small-sized automatic transmission cars which are specially designed for them, according to the new rules which will take effect on April 1.

The present regulation only allows those with disabled left legs to drive.

According to the rules, special signs are required on both the front and rear of these cars.

The hearing-impaired can apply for driving licenses to drive small-sized cars if they wear hearing aids and pass hearing tests, according to the rules.

People without the right thumb or distal finger joints are also allowed to apply for licenses to drive small-sized motor vehicles.

However, before applying for the license, these applicants have to pass health tests first and disabled drivers are required to have body check every three years.

An official with the ministry's traffic bureau said that the ministry would positively promote disabled people's driving rights on the premise of full preparation and safety guarantee since it "not only concerns their needs to drive, but also affects the safety of other traffic participants."

According to the official, the ministry will also cooperate with other organizations on researching the possibility of driving for deaf people and those with disabled upper limbs.