As America’s population ages, ensuring road safety while maintaining liberty for older drivers has become a significant concern.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the total number of accidents involving drivers over 65 was 8,572, the highest since 1975. Thus, 37 American states have implemented stringent regulations to assess the abilities of senior drivers with the agenda of ensuring traffic safety.
Here is the list of the top American states with the strictest laws for older drivers, as stated by the Governors Highway Safety Association.
Arizona
Arizona Motor Vehicle Department requires drivers aged 65 and older to renew their licenses every five years, with mandatory vision tests during each renewal.
Although the state does not require in-person renewals until 65, passing vision tests in the last three months is mandatory. However, drivers above 70 must go for physical renewals per state rules.
California
California has the highest senior population in the country and thus imposes strict regulations on older drivers. Drivers aged 70 and above must show up for their license renewal and undergo a vision test.
Moreover, the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) can require a written or even a driving test if there are concerns about a driver’s abilities. The state also offers e-learning courses for older drivers free of cost.
Connecticut
In Connecticut, drivers aged 65 and above must renew their licenses every two or six years.
The renewal process includes mandatory vision tests. The state’s DMV can require additional tests, such as road tests or medical evaluation, based on reports from family members, physicians, or law enforcement.
Florida
Florida, home to 4.6 million senior citizens, has implemented specific measures to safeguard its roads. While regular drivers can renew their license every eight years, those aged 80 years and above need to renew every six years.
Per the driving guidelines, renewal applications can be made physically and electronically/by post. In the case of mailed applications, a physician’s recommendation letter is mandatory.
Illinois
Illinois mandates that drivers aged 75 and older must renew their licenses every four years. Those aged 81-86 must go through the renewal process every two years. For drivers aged 87 and above, renewal is required annually.
Additionally, drivers aged 75 and older must pass a road test at each renewal. These many-layered policies aim to ensure the cognitive and visionary competence of older people behind the wheel.
Indiana
Indiana’s driving policies state drivers aged 75 and older must renew their licenses every three years, and those aged 85 and above must renew every two years, only through physical verification. A vision test is required at each renewal. Additionally, the Bureau of Motor Vehicles can request further testing or medical evaluations if concerns arise regarding a driver’s capability to safely operate a vehicle.
Maine
The regular driver’s license renewal cycle in Maine is every six years. However, for mature drivers aged 65 and over, the renewal period shortens to every four years, ensuring more frequent evaluations. Additionally, drivers aged 62 and older must undergo a vision test at each renewal to ensure their driving ability remains safe. For those between the ages of 40 and 61, a vision test is mandated at every other renewal.
Louisiana
The state of Louisiana implemented the 2022 Louisiana Strategic Highway Safety Plan (SHSP) to combat the increasing cases of fatal accidents in the state. As per Louisiana’s policies, those who wish to continue driving must renew their licenses every six years. For those aged 70 and above, renewals are only possible through physical means.
Nevada
Nevada requires its citizens to renew their driving licenses every four years as per the standard guidelines. After 70 years, drivers are encouraged to report in person for the renewal. Seniors need to pass a vision test mandatorily during the renewal. If a senior driver is unable to renew the license physically, the provision of mailed applications remains. However, mailed applications must include a letter from the physician.
New Hampshire
New Hampshire’s specific regulations for senior drivers mandate senior drivers to go through a rigorous license renewal procedure. Drivers of age 75 years and older must renew their licenses in person every five years. Moreover, seniors must pass the mandatory vision and road test at each renewal.
North Carolina
North Carolina has specific driving regulations for older adults to maintain road safety. Drivers aged 66 and older are required to renew their licenses every five years instead of the standard eight-year period for younger drivers. Even though individuals have to go through road tests every time, people aged 60 and above do not need to prove their competence for parallel parking.
Oregon
Oregon requires drivers to renew their licenses every eight years. For people aged 50 and older, a mandatory vision test accompanies the license renewal process. For drivers aged 75 and older, no email or electronic renewal is permitted. Beyond 75, individuals must go for in-person renewal.
Texas
The usual driving license renewal cycle is 6 years in Texas, but the rules are stricter for senior people. Drivers aged 85 and older must renew their licenses every two years. A vision test is required at each renewal for them. It is mandatory for people above 79 to only opt for the in-person renewal.
Virginia
Virginia has implemented strict regulations for older drivers, particularly for people aged 75 and above. The state’s driving regulations demand that senior drivers over 75 must renew their licenses every five years. They also need to go through a vision test or provide a report every time they want to renew their licenses.
Washington
The United State’s capital city is also one of the strictest states for older drivers. Individuals who are 65 years and older must renew their licenses every six years, with a mandatory vision test at each renewal. If concerns arise about a senior driver’s capabilities, the Department of Licensing may require a reexamination.
