Driving Laws in Utah for Seniors and Older Drivers

Learn about driving restrictions and special initiatives aimed at keeping Utah’s elderly drivers and highways safe.

While the many laws and regulations imposed by the Utah Driver License Division (DLD) and Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) apply to drivers of all ages and stages, the state has certain unique requirements and limits for senior drivers.

The Utah state standards are discussed in further detail below, but two of them concentrate on recognizing and dealing with elderly drivers who may have become hazardous behind the wheel.

Utah, in particular:

Drivers 65 and older must pass a vision exam when renewing their licenses, and the DLD accepts requests from family members, neighbors, and others for risky driving investigations.

Utah License Renewal Procedures for Senior Citizens

Drivers 65 and older who want to renew their licenses must follow certain regulations.

All drivers must renew their licenses every eight years. If you validated your identify after January 1, 2010, you may renew your license online.

For drivers 65 and older, a vision exam is required at every renewal. DLD employees will perform a free exam. If more extensive testing is necessary, drivers must schedule an exam with an independent healthcare expert who must prepare a Certificate of Visual Examination and conduct the exam within six months of the renewal request.

If the DLD gets information concerning potentially risky driving, a written exam may be needed.

If the DLD gets information concerning potentially risky driving, a road test may be needed.

License Restrictions That Might Exist

The DLD has the authority to impose limits or conditions on a person’s driver’s license. The most prevalent limitation for senior drivers is the need for corrective lenses or glasses.

Other typical restrictions that the DLD may place on elderly drivers in Utah include:

wearing a mechanical assistance or compensating device while driving wearing a prosthetic aid while driving\s driving cars equipped with outside rearview mirrors\s no nighttime driving, and\s any additional limitations the DLD considers suitable.

How to Request a Utah Unsafe Driver Investigation

The Utah DLD will receive reports from worried family members and other residents who believe a motorist is hazardous on the road.

Those who desire to voice their concerns must fill out an Unsafe Driver Report form, get it notarized, and mail it to the DLD address shown on the form. The complainant’s address, phone number, and signature must be included on the form; no anonymous complaints will be accepted, however secrecy may be requested.

Drivers Are Required to Report

Utah is one of the few states that requires drivers to fill out a health questionnaire to ensure that they are physically and mentally ready to drive. Those with significant health issues, such as diabetes, pulmonary or neurologic conditions, psychiatric, emotional, or other conditions that may impair driving, may be required to be examined by a healthcare professional, who must complete a comprehensive Functional Ability Evaluation Medical Report.

How to Restore a Driver’s License

Contact one of the DLD offices located around the state for information on how to reinstate a license that has been suspended or revoked.

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 go 200 feet without stopping to rest
have a serious heart disease or are severely restricted in their ability to walk owing to an arthritic, neurological, or orthopedic ailment.

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

Fill out and sign a Disabled Person and Physician Disability Certification form.
Section 3 of the form should be completed by a qualified physician.
There is a $21 price for disability plates; placards are free.
Send the original application to the address specified on the form.