Nevada Drivers License Renewal for Senior Citizens and Driving Laws for Older Drivers
Are you familiar with the specialized regulations the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) has for senior drivers? These laws are crafted to ensure that senior citizens retain the physical and cognitive abilities necessary for safe driving. In this guide, our Las Vegas car accident attorneys will detail everything about Nevada drivers license renewal for senior citizens and the safety regulations for older drivers.
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Elderly Drivers and Accident Statistics: A Closer Look
Is there a higher accident risk with elderly drivers? The answer is multifaceted. Senior citizens are not the age group most prone to accidents; rather, it’s the youngest and least experienced drivers. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), notes that while teenagers drive less than every age group (apart from the elderly), the rate of fatal crashes for drivers aged 16-19 is almost triple that of drivers 20 and over. However, data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates a slightly elevated risk for drivers over 70. The CDC advises such drivers to be mindful of age-related declines in vision and cognitive functioning.
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Specialized License Renewal Requirements in Nevada for Senior Citizens
The reality of giving up driving can be challenging for seniors and their families. Nevada’s specialized rules ensure that seniors can continue to drive safely. Here’s what you need to know about Nevada drivers license renewal for senior citizens:
- 4-Year Renewal for Seniors (65+): Unlike the standard 8-year renewal, seniors in Nevada can only renew for four years at a time.
- Vision Test Required for Drivers Over 70:At 71, drivers must renew at a local DMV office or by mail and take a vision test.
- Potential Written and Road Test Requirements: Depending on medical conditions or recent driving history, a written exam and/or road test may be required. This will not occur in every driver’s license renewal for a senior citizen. However, a written exam and/or road test may be required if the applicant has certain medical conditions or if their recent driving history suggests safety issues.
Nevada’s Restricted License Issuance for Senior Drivers
The Nevada DMV can issue a partially restricted driver’s license to a senior citizen when deemed necessary for public safety. By far, the most common restriction on an elderly driver’s license is a visual impairment requirement. In effect, the restriction simply states that a senior citizen driver must wear glasses or corrective contact lenses when behind the wheel. Of course, many younger drivers have a similar restriction on their license.
Beyond the basic visual assistance requirements, the Nevada DMV could also put more cumbersome restrictions on an elderly person’s driver’s license. As an example, a senior driver could be issued a license that limits night-time driving but in the case of emergencies. Alternatively, an elderly driver could be issued a license that restricts any driving on highways. Ultimately, these types of restrictions are put into place on a case-by-case basis.
Safe Driving Responsibilities for All Nevada Motorists
Nevada’s fault-based auto accident laws mandate safe driving. Failure to do so is negligence, and any unsafe driver can be held legally liable. It’s vital for senior citizens and their families to ensure safe driving abilities.
Investigations into Senior Driving Abilities in Nevada
As noted previously, the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles has a general process in place to help confirm that senior citizens are still capable of driving safely. However, the state also relies, in large part, on seniors to know their own limits and on their family members to raise concerns when necessary. In Nevada, you can report a family member who you believe is not capable of driving safely. This is done through Form DLD23A – Request for Driver Re-Evaluation. In submitting this form to the Nevada DMV, you will need the following information:
- The personal identifying information of the driver who you are concerned about;
- Details about what happened (accident, near-accident, etc) that prompted action;
- A description of their suspected medical condition or other impairments; and
- A sworn certification that everything you say is true to the best of your knowledge.
Beyond family members, other parties, including state and local law enforcement officers, can also submit a request for a driver re-evaluation to the DMV. Based on the information provided and the evaluation conducted by the DMV, this investigation could result in a senior driver losing their license or having additional restrictions placed on their driving privileges.
Contact Naqvi Injury Law: Las Vegas Car Accident Lawyers
At Naqvi Injury Law, our Las Vegas auto accident attorneys firmly believe that reputations are earned— not given. We are proud to be Nevada’s premier car accident injury law firm. If you or your elderly loved one was hurt in a crash, professional representation is available. Give us a call now or connect with us online for a free, no-commitment legal consultation. With an office in Las Vegas, we provide personal injury representation throughout Clark County, including in Henderson, North Las Vegas, Spring Valley, Enterprise, Sunrise Manor, Boulder City, and Summerlin South.
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