Driving Laws in Rhode Island for Seniors and Older Drivers

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

The majority of the rules and restrictions imposed by the Rhode Island Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) 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 constraints outlined below, such as mandating more frequent renewal for drivers over the age of 75, potential license limits, and processes for obtaining disability parking plates and placards, may be particularly important for older drivers.

Rhode Island 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 two years; drivers under the age of 75 must renew every five years.

Renewal requires a vision exam. DMV employees will provide a free test, or drivers may have an exam conducted by a registered eye expert, who must fill out an Eye Test Card.

Written test: At the discretion of DMV employees, a written test may be needed.

Road test: At the discretion of DMV employees, a road test may be necessary.

License Restrictions That Might Exist

After conducting a driving test and discussing potential limits with the driver, the DMV 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 conditions that the DMV may place on older drivers in Rhode Island include:

driving a vehicle equipped with mechanical control devices only during daylight hours—if the requirement is proven by a qualified eye specialist—and any limits deemed “appropriate to the licensee’s driving abilities.”

How to Request a Rhode Island Unsafe Driver Investigation

The Rhode Island DMV has extensive ability to suspend a driver’s license if there is sufficient proof that the motorist “poses an impending safety danger to the general public.”

However, the licensing authorities do not give particular forms or instructions for registering complaints against drivers who may have become dangerous behind the wheel. If you want to report a driver, contact your local DMV office to learn about the exact processes.

How to Restore a Driver’s License

Contact one of the DMV offices located around the state for information on how to reinstate a license that has been suspended or revoked in Rhode Island.
How to Obtain Disabled Driver Parking Placards

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 without the use of, or aid from, a brace, crutch, another person, prosthetic device, wheelchair, or other assistive equipment are severely confined by lung disease\s need portable oxygen\s have a serious heart condition, or\s are legally blind.

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

Complete and sign the Application for a New/Renewal Disability Parking Placard.
Fill out the back of the application with the help of a competent physician.
Within 30 days after the physician’s examination, mail the original application to the address on the form.

Find Out More About Rhode Island Driving Regulations

The website of the Rhode Island Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has a plethora of information for Rhode Island drivers, including license and car registration requirements.

The downloadable “Driver’s Manual,” available in English and Spanish, contains explanations of the laws and regulations that apply to Rhode Island drivers, as well as local traffic restrictions.