Driving Laws in Montana for Seniors and Older Drivers

Learn about driving regulations and special initiatives aimed at keeping both senior drivers and Montana’s highways safe.

While the Montana Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) 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 Montana state standards are discussed in further detail below, but many of them concentrate on recognizing and dealing with elderly drivers who may have become risky.

Montana, specifically:

Drivers 75 and older must renew their licenses every four years, and the DOR accepts requests from family members and others for risky driving investigations.

License Renewal Procedures for Senior Citizens

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

Drivers between the ages of 21 and 67 must renew their licenses every eight years. The renewal term decreases by one year for every additional year of age between the ages of 68 and 74. So drivers over the age of 68 renew their license for 7 years, drivers over the age of 69 renew for 6 years, and so on. The renewal time then increases to four years at the age of 75.

Vision test: MVD employees will give a free test, or drivers may have an exam completed by a qualified eye expert outside of the state, who must submit a Vision Examination Record.

Only if the MVD obtains evidence of suspected driving impairment is a written exam required.

Only if the MVD obtains evidence of suspected driving impairment is a road test required.

Methods of obtaining a license: Drivers in Montana may renew their licenses online or by mail.

License Restrictions That Might Exist

After performing a driving test and discussing potential limits with the motorist, the MVD 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 typical criteria that the MVD may place on older drivers in Montana include:

no highway driving
a second right side mirror on a car
There are no nighttime driving limits—for example, no driving during rush hour traffic supports to maintain a correct driving position geographic area restrictions, and wearing bioptic telescopic lenses while driving.

How to Request a Montana Unsafe Driver Investigation

Anyone who has firsthand knowledge of a driver’s skills and believes he or she is hazardous behind the wheel may make a Recommendation for Re-Examination with the Montana MVD. The form must contain the name and contact information of the individual in question. The data will not be kept private, and the motorist may request a copy of the advice. If a person’s health is a safety issue, a physician or provider may produce a Driver Medical Evaluation.

How to Restore a Driver’s License

For information about regaining a license that has been suspended or revoked in Montana, contact one of the state’s MVD offices.

How to Obtain Disabled Driver Parking Placards or License Plates

Drivers with restricted mobility may be awarded disabled parking placards and license plates provided a competent medical practitioner recognizes the condition.

Placards and license plates are available for people who:

cannot walk 200 feet without stopping to rest have significant walking limitations owing to an arthritic, neurological, or orthopedic issue
cannot ambulate or walk without the aid of a brace, cane, crutch, another person, prosthetic device, wheelchair, or other assistive device
having serious lung illness or a significant heart ailment
have a strong sensitivity to automotive pollutants, or have another illness or physical condition that restricts or affects movement.

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

Complete and sign an Application for a Disability Permit/License.
Complete the Medical Certification section of the form with a licensed physician, physician’s assistant, chiropractor, or advanced practice registered nurse.
Send the original application to the address specified on the form.

Learn More About Montana Senior Driving Regulations

The MVD website has a variety of information for Montana drivers on the state’s driving requirements. The “Montana Driver Manual,” which provides safe driving guidelines for older drivers, is particularly interesting.