Driving Laws in Massachusetts for Seniors and Older Drivers

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

The Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) enforces a plethora of laws and regulations that apply to drivers of all ages and stages—yet the state claims to impose no particular restrictions on drivers based purely on age.

Several Massachusetts statutes, however, seem to concentrate on detecting and dealing with elderly drivers who may have grown risky behind the wheel.

Massachusetts, in particular:

Drivers 75 and older must renew their licenses in person, and the RMV accepts requests from interested parties to undertake dangerous driving investigations.

Massachusetts License Renewal Procedures for Senior Citizens

Drivers 75 and older who want to renew their licenses must follow special regulations.

Drivers above the age of 75 must renew in person every five years.

To expedite the procedure, drivers should complete an online questionnaire, then download, print, and sign the application that comes with it and present it to any RMV Branch office.

A vision exam is required at the time of in-person renewal. Drivers may have a free test conducted by RMV employees, or they can have an exam performed by an independent ophthalmologist or optometrist, who must complete a Class D and M Vision Screening Certificate and conduct the exam within one year of the renewal request.

If there are signs of driving impairment, a written exam may be necessary.

If there are signs of driving impairment, a road test may be necessary.

License Restrictions That Might Exist

After performing a driving test and discussing potential limits with the motorist, the RMV may impose restrictions or conditions on his or her driver’s license.

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

Other frequent regulations that the RMV may place on older drivers in Massachusetts include:

Vehicles fitted with adaptive devices may only be driven when wearing a prosthetic assistance.
an exterior mirror on a car with an automatic transmission
No nighttime driving limitations—for example, no driving during rush hour traffic when wearing a bioptic telescopic lens, and other limits customized to the driver’s specific medical condition.

In Massachusetts, How to Request an Unsafe Driver Investigation

Any anyone having information regarding a driver’s possibly risky driving will be accepted by the Massachusetts RMV. Anonymity is not guaranteed. Concerns should be documented in writing on a Request for Medical Evaluation Form, which should then be faxed or sent to the Medical Affairs office as specified on the form.

Massachusetts Elder Outreach Program

The Massachusetts RMV provides free, hour-long seminars for older drivers, their family members, caregivers, and related organizations on safe senior driving and the ins and outs of obtaining disability plates and placards in the state. To attend a lecture, fill out a request form and send or email it to the address provided.

How to Restore a Driver’s License

See “Suspensions & Hearings: Discretionary/Public Safety Suspensions” for information on how to regain a license that has been suspended or revoked in Massachusetts.

How to Obtain Parking Placards or License Plates for a Disabled Driver

Drivers with reduced mobility may be awarded disability parking placards and license plates provided a qualified medical practitioner confirms the condition.

Placards and license plates are available for people who:

cannot go 200 feet without stopping to rest
have a serious heart problem
have severe arthritis, have been pronounced legally blind, or have lost one or more limbs or the ability to use them.

See “Apply for a disability placard or license plate” and fill out an application for detailed information on acquiring a handicapped placard or plate.

Learn More About Senior Driving Rules in Massachusetts

The RMV website provides a plethora of information for Massachusetts drivers, including explanations of driver license and vehicle registration.

The downloaded “Driver’s Manual” in English or Spanish, which provides safety suggestions and explanations of local traffic restrictions, is very appealing. The RMV also has a page devoted to “Older Drivers” on their website.