Learn about driving regulations and special initiatives aimed at keeping both senior drivers and Louisiana’s highways safe.
While the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) enforces a plethora of laws and regulations that apply to drivers of all ages and stages, the state imposes certain unique requirements and limits on senior drivers.
The regulations of Louisiana are detailed in further detail below, although a number of them concentrate on recognizing and dealing with elderly drivers who may have become risky.
Louisiana, in particular:
requires drivers over the age of 70 to renew their licenses in person, and welcomes requests from any concerned citizen to initiate a hazardous driving inquiry.
Drivers aged 70 and over who want to renew their licenses must follow special regulations.
Drivers above the age of 70 must renew in person every six years. Most drivers under the age of 70 may renew their licenses online or by mail if they renewed in person the prior time and received an invitation to renew from the OMV; otherwise, they must apply in person at their local OMV office.
A vision exam is required at the time of in-person renewal. Drivers may have an exam conducted by an outside ophthalmologist or optometrist, who must complete a Medical/Vision Form and perform the exam within 30 days of the renewal request.
Only if there are indicators of driving impairment is a written exam required.
A road test is only required if there are signs of driving impairment.
The Louisiana OMV has the authority to impose limits on a person’s driver’s license. The most prevalent limitation for senior drivers is the need for corrective lenses or glasses.
Other frequent Louisiana limitations include:
The Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles will take information from any source acquainted with a specific driver who completes and submits a Report of Driver Condition or Behavior.
A doctor may also complete a Medical Examiner’s Certificate to record any visual restriction or physical ailment, impairment, or handicap that may compromise a patient’s ability to drive safely.
For information on how to reinstate a suspended or revoked license, call 225-925-6146, Option 1, or visit one of the state’s local Motor Vehicle Reinstatement Offices.
If a qualified medical examiner validates the condition, drivers with reduced mobility may be awarded disabled parking placards and license plates.
Hangtags and license plates are provided for people who:
The following steps must be taken in order to receive a disability placard or plate:
The OMV website provides basic information for Louisiana drivers, as well as access to many of the paperwork needed to address driving difficulties.
