Driving Laws in New Jersey for Seniors and Older Drivers

Learn about driving regulations and special initiatives aimed at keeping both older drivers and New Jersey’s highways safe.

One in every four New Jersey residents is 55 or older, a figure that is anticipated to rise in the coming years.

The majority of the rules and restrictions enforced by the New Hampshire Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) apply to drivers of all ages and stages—and the state asserts it does not impose particular requirements on drivers based only on age.

Nonetheless, several of the legislative regulations outlined below, such as potential licensing limits and processes for obtaining handicap parking plates and placards, may be particularly pertinent for senior drivers.

New Jersey License Renewal Procedures for Senior Citizens

Time limits: Every four years, all drivers must renew their licenses.

Renewal format: Most persons in New Jersey may renew their license online or by mail.

Vision test: At the discretion of MVC employees, a vision exam may be requested on occasion.

Written examination: Not usually necessary for renewal.

A road test is not usually necessary at the time of renewal.

License Restrictions That Might Exist

After conducting a driving test and discussing potential limits with the motorist, the MVC may impose restrictions or conditions on his or her license.

The most prevalent limitation for senior drivers is the need for corrective lenses or glasses.

Other frequent regulations that the MVC may place on older drivers in New Jersey include:

Wearing a prosthetic device while driving a vehicle equipped with one or more specified mechanical devices, and complying with specific modifications or restricted driver privileges adapted to an individual medical condition.

How to Request a New Jersey Unsafe Driver Investigation

The New Jersey MVC will receive information about a person who may be dangerous behind the wheel from family members, doctors, judges, or police officers.

The MVC identifies the following conditions as frequent sources of safety concerns:

impairment of vision
Disorientation or perplexity
memory loss or lapses impaired or altered consciousness\s Alzheimer’s or dementia\s neurological problems, such as seizure disorders, and\s sleep apnea.

Concerned persons may report a risky driver by writing a letter that includes the driver’s name, date of birth, residence, driver’s license number, and medical condition. The letter must state the complainant’s connection to the driver, as well as detailed data about the driver’s impairment and safety concerns. The reports cannot be kept confidential and must be made available to the driver upon request.

Letters should be sent to 609-292-7504 or addressed to the Medical Fitness Review Unit.

Unit for Medical Fitness Review

P.O Box 173

Trenton, New Jersey 08666

Doctors are required to report.

New Jersey is one of only a few states that requires physicians to report to the MVC on a Medical Examination Form when they diagnose a patient with a disease marked by lapses in consciousness, seizures, or lack of motor coordination.

Law Enforcement Reports

Officers who want to report a potentially risky driver can fill out a Driver Examination/Medical Evaluation Request form.

Driver Improvement Programs in New Jersey

Drivers may enhance their abilities by enrolling in an education and training program designed exclusively for elderly drivers. A variety of Mature Driver Courses are available in the area.

How to Restore a Driver’s License

For licenses that have been suspended due to the driver being judged “medically unqualified,” contact the Medical Review Unit at 609-292-7500, ext. 5032 or 609-292-7504. Contact the MVC’s Driver Management Bureau at 609-292-7500 for other forms of suspensions or revocations.

How to Obtain Disabled Driver Parking Placards or License Plates

The local police department may issue a temporary placard to a driver who has temporarily lost mobility and is medically confirmed. The $4 placard is good for six months and may only be renewed once.

If a certified medical practitioner determines that a driver’s mobility is limited, they may be entitled to receive disabled person parking placards and license plates.

Placards and license plates are available for people who:

have lost use of one or more limbs due to paralysis, amputation, or other permanent impairment are severely and permanently handicapped and cannot walk without the use of or aid from a brace, cane, crutch, another person, prosthetic device, wheelchair, or other assistive device
have a serious heart problem
If they only want a placard, they must be severely and permanently limited in their ability to walk due to an arthritic, neurological, or orthopedic condition; or they must be able to walk two hundred feet without stopping to rest; or they must have a permanent sight impairment in both eyes as certified by the New Jersey Commission of the Blind.

To receive a disability placard or plate, follow these steps:

Complete and sign an Application for Persons with Disabilities Vehicle License Plates and/or Placard.
With the downloaded Instructional Checklist, you may get assistance completing the application and minimize delays caused by incorrectly filling it out.
Complete the Medical Practitioner’s Certification section of the application with a licensed physician, podiatrist, chiropractor, nurse practitioner, or physician’s assistant.
Take the original application to a local MVC office or send it to the MVC Special Plate Unit address on the application.