Can you be too old to drive in California? See state guidelines for seniors
For many Californians, driving symbolizes a sense of independence and freedom.
What happens when age begins to interfere with safe driving?
According to the California Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System, which maps statewide crash and injury data, reported that there were 583 fatal crashes involving older adults in 2023.
California has seen an average of 624 fatalities per year since 2019, data show.
While you must be at least 16 to obtain a driver’s license in California, how old is considered too old to drive?
Here’s what our journalists with How To California — a community-driven series to help readers navigate life in the Golden State — found:
BEHIND THE STORY
MOREWhy we did this story
Our community-driven series — How to California — is here to answer your questions about state laws, history, culture, recreation and travel in the Golden State.
McClatchy’s service journalism team, focused on helping our readers navigate daily life, works in communities across the state, including San Luis Obispo, Fresno, Merced, Modesto and Sacramento.
Ask us your questions — big and small — by emailing howtocalifornia@mcclatchy.com or filling out a form here.
Can you get your California driver’s license taken away for being old?
According to Shouse California Law Group, the California Department of Motor Vehicles cannot “revoke, suspend, or restrict your driver’s license just because you are over a certain age.”
However, the DMV does have some special requirements for drivers once they turn 70 years old.
“The DMV wants to help seniors to maintain and continue their driving independence and ensure driver safety,” the DMV said on its website.
Once a driver is 70 or older, they must get their driver’s license renewed by passing an open-book eLearning course in person at a DMV location.
“This is so the DMV can personally evaluate you before it decides whether to renew your driver’s license,” Shouse Law said.
The law firm said DMV employees will “closely scrutinize” an older adult’s physical condition, vision, hearing and overall mental state.
Motorists over 70 must take the course every five years in order to keep their driver’s licenses, the DMV said.
Drivers under 70 can typically renew their licenses online by simply paying the renewal fee of $45 if their information remains unchanged.
What physical or mental conditions can result in license suspension?
Under California Vehicle Code 12806, the DMV can suspend your license if you have:
- A disorder that causes “lapses of consciousness.”
- A disorder that has led to a lapse of consciousness or “episode of marked confusion” in the past three years and could recur.
- Any other physical or mental condition that could impair your ability to drive safely.
According to Shouse Law, certain medical conditions that commonly affect senior drivers can lead to the suspension of a driver’s license, including:
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Dementia
- Cataracts
- Macular degeneration
- Diabetes
The DMV can also suspend your license if you take medications that can result in dizziness, sleepiness and blurred vision, the law firm said, due to concerns over physical or mental fitness.
What should I look out for as a driver gets older?
Many older adults take steps to address driving issues, but it’s not always clear when health problems, vision issues or medication side effects will impair driving, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
In such cases, the observations of loved ones and health care professionals become crucial.
Self-awareness is key to safe driving, the federal agency said, adding that seniors should adjust their habits and maintain mobility while reducing risks.
Signs of concern include:
- Older adults voicing concerns.
- Older adults getting lost on familiar routes.
- Police warnings or multiple violations.
- Medical advice to restrict driving.
To stay safe, the federal agency said to:
- Recognize physical limitations.
- Listen to feedback from others.
- Consult your doctor about medications.
- Take mature driver courses.
- Explore alternative transportation options in your community.
This story was originally published September 17, 2024 at 6:00 AM with the headline "Can you be too old to drive in California? See state guidelines for seniors."
