Learn about driving regulations and special initiatives aimed at ensuring the safety of Mississippi’s senior drivers and highways.
Most of the laws and regulations enforced by the Mississippi Department of Public Safety (DPS) apply to drivers of all ages and stages, and the state asserts it does not impose particular requirements on drivers based only on their age.
Several Mississippi statutes, however, seem to concentrate on detecting and dealing with senior drivers who may have grown risky behind the wheel.
Mississippi in particular:
Drivers 75 and older must renew their licenses in person, and interested parties may request that risky drivers be investigated.
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Mississippi License Renewal Procedures for Senior Citizens
Drivers between the ages of 17 and 75 may be able to renew their licenses by swiping their expired driver’s licenses or credit cards at a self-service kiosk. Those 75 and older must renew in person at a DPS location near them. Drivers must also renew their licenses in person at least every other time.
Drivers may renew their licenses every eight years, or every four or eight years if they are moving abroad.
A vision exam is required at the time of in-person renewal. DPS employees will provide a free exam.
Written exam: If DPS suspects driving impairment, a written test may be needed upon renewal.
Road test: A road test may be needed upon renewal if DPS detects probable driving impairment.
License Restrictions That Might Exist
After conducting a driving test and discussing potential limits with the motorist, the DPS may impose restrictions or conditions on his or her license.
The most prevalent limitation for senior drivers is the need for corrective lenses or glasses.
Other frequent conditions that the DPS may place on elderly drivers in Mississippi 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 Mississippi Unsafe Driver Investigation
Contact a local DPS office for information on how to report a driver who has become unsafe.
How to Restore a Driver’s License
The method for obtaining a license restored in Mississippi varies based on why the license was suspended or revoked. Contact one of the DPS Driver Safety Offices located around the state for further information.
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 offered to those who:
cannot walk 200 feet without resting cannot walk without help
If you have serious lung disease, you should utilize portable oxygen.
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:
Complete and sign a Disabled Parking Application with the assistance of a professional physician or nurse practitioner.
Sign and date the form at the bottom.
Bring the completed form to the local tax collector’s office or mail it.
Learn More About Mississippi Senior Driving Laws
The Mississippi DPS website provides basic information on the agency’s services for drivers. The “Mississippi Driver’s Manual,” which contains driving safety suggestions and a review of local traffic laws, is particularly interesting.