As the oldest of the baby boomers hit age 70, and their hearty parents creep into their 80s and 90s, many people have questions about whether the elderly should be driving. Is it safe for older people to be on the road? What sort of laws govern mature drivers? Can a family member have an older relative’s license taken away in order to protect them?
Chances are you or someone you know has wrestled with these issues. This can be a sensitive issue within families. Older people understandably may not appreciate when a younger family member suggests they are no longer capable of driving, but the concern usually comes from a place of love. The younger person may be worried about their relative hurting themselves or someone else. Doing nothing in this situation could lead to tragic circumstances.
Handling this issue in a sensitive and caring manner can help lead to solutions that work for everyone. Knowing the laws in Nevada will give your family the right information to make decisions. Whether you’re a parent who wants to prove to your child that the law is on your side when it comes to driving or you’re a child worried about your elderly parent’s eyesight, this guide can help you determine whether you need to take legal action. The laws are in place to help reduce the number of car accidents in Las Vegas and protect other drivers on the road.
The Lowdown on Driving Over the Age of 70 in Nevada
In Nevada, older drivers are subject to special requirements. The aim of these laws is to find and remove unsafe drivers from the road as they age. Though state laws do not bar people of any age from getting a license, the requirements become stricter as you get older. Here are a few of the rules that apply to older drivers:
- More Frequent In Person License Renewals: People under 65 renew their driver’s license in person every eight years in Nevada. Those over 65 are required to do so every four years. This allows the DMV to keep closer tabs on older drivers.
- Vision Tests for Those Over 65: A vision test must be taken at every license renewal for those over 65. This can be at the DMV, or a driver may submit a driver exam certificate signed by a physician or optometrist testifying to the quality of their eyesight.
- Written or Road Tests to Renew a Driver’s License: The DMV may administer either a written driver’s test or a road test, or both, to those over 65 seeking to renew their licenses. These tests can be requested based on the individual’s driving or medical history.
- Physicals for Older Drivers: The Nevada DMV will ask drivers over the age of 70 to get a physical evaluation form filled out. It asks the driver’s physician to point out any conditions or concerns that should prevent the license seeker from driving. It also asks about any medications the person may be taking that could impair ability to drive.
What Are the Senior Driving Requirements in Nevada?
A person over the age of 65 may have their license renewed but still be subject to restrictions levied by the DMV based on the tests and visual assessments given during the renewal process. The most frequent restriction is preventing an older adult from driving unless they wear their glasses or contact lenses. These improve the driver’s eyesight, obviously, and lead to fewer accidents, as well as helping drivers to read street signs.
A number of other restrictions may be imposed as well. These include:
- Driving during daylight hours only
- Driving under 45 mph only
- Staying off freeways
- Adding a right-side mirror to the car to improve visibility
- Only driving when wearing a prosthetic device
Can Elderly People Drive in Las Vegas?
The driving age limit in Las Vegas is the same as in the rest of the state. As long as a driver has fulfilled the requirements of the DMV and received a Nevada license, there are no driving restrictions in Las Vegas.
Getting an Elderly Person’s License Taken Away in Nevada
While the DMV clearly makes an effort to keep people over age 70 from renewing their licenses if they are unfit to drive, sometimes there may be cases when more proactive measures are needed to get drivers off the road. If a family member will not surrender their license voluntarily, you may choose to report them to the DMV.
You may obtain a Request for Re-Evaluation form from the DMV, asking that a particular driver be re-examined. You must fill out a reason for the request, such as the driver getting into an accident or breaking a traffic law.
You also need to submit:
- The reason for your concern, such as an emerging disability or the onset of dementia
- Incidents that sparked your worries, including dates
- Any witnesses to those incidents
You must get the form notarized or sign it in front of an employee from the DMV. A doctor’s affidavit must be submitted along with the form, stating that the person’s license should be taken away.
A DMV representative may also report a driver they believe to be unsafe, which could result in the driver being required to take a physical or be evaluated by a mental health professional. A law enforcement officer may also complete the Request for Re-Evaluation for any driver they believe may be unfit to drive, and could cause personal injury or harm to another driver.
Get Help Removing an Unsafe Driver From the Road With G. Dallas Horton & Associates
It can be difficult to broach the topic of driving with your elderly loved one. You may be worried about hurting their feelings or stirring resentment. However, it’s important to keep them and others on the roads safe from potential accidents.
If you want assistance in getting your elderly parents or grandparents to stop driving, contact G. Dallas Horton & Associates. We can assist you with all the legal aspects of your task and ensure your loved one does not hurt anyone. You can rest easy knowing they are out of harm’s way.
We can also assist elderly people who believe they are being unfairly targeted for license suspension. Talk to us to find out how you can keep your license and continue to drive.
Get in touch with us today for a free consultation, or give us a call at 702-820-5917.
