Massachusetts Driving Laws for Seniors and Older Drivers

In 2022, drivers aged 65 and older accounted for 19% of all traffic fatalities nationwide. In Massachusetts, senior drivers were 29% of traffic deaths, even though they represented only 22% of the state's licensed drivers.

The Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) enforces rules and regulations for drivers of all ages and stages. But a couple of state rules specifically focus on identifying and handling older drivers who may have become unsafe behind the wheel since their last license renewal. Specifically, Massachusetts:

• requires drivers 75 and older to renew their licenses in person, and
• accepts requests from interested parties for the RMV to conduct unsafe driver investigations.

Massachusetts License Renewal Rules for Older Drivers

Special rules apply to older drivers who need to renew their licenses.

When and Where Older Massachusetts Drivers Must Renew Licenses

In Massachusetts, you must renew your driver's license every five years—no matter your age. And, unless you're upgrading to a Real ID, most Massachusetts drivers can renew their driver's licenses through the online service center. But drivers 75 and older must renew in person at an RMV branch office or AAA office (if you're a member), which requires setting up an appointment.

You can set up an appointment to renew a license at an RMV service center using the online appointment tool. AAA members should contact AAA for a license renewal appointment.

If you're 65 or older or have a disability, you also have the option to schedule an appointment by calling 857-368-8005. You can also email the RMV for assistance at [email protected].

To make the in-person renewal process more efficient, drivers should visit the online service center and complete as much of the online application as they can. Then download it and bring it to your RMV appointment.

Who Needs a Vision Test to Renew a Massachusetts Driver's License?

A vision test is required at all in-person license renewals, so any driver 75 or older will need to pass the vision test at each renewal. RMV center or AAA license renewal personnel will conduct the vision test for free.

You have the option to have a vision test performed by an outside ophthalmologist or optometrist—no more than one year before your renewal request. You'll need to have your eye doctor complete a Class D and M Vision Screening Certificate.

When Older Drivers Must Pass a Written Exam or Road Test

The Massachusetts RMV can require you to retake the written or road test if there's reason to believe your medical condition might impair your ability to drive safely. This can include older drivers who might experience age-related health changes.

Possible License Restrictions for Older Massachusetts Drivers

The RMV can place restrictions or conditions on your driver's license after administering a driving test and discussing possible restrictions with you.

The most common restriction for seniors is the requirement to wear corrective lenses, like glasses or contact lenses. If you pass the vision test while wearing them, your license will include this restriction.

In Massachusetts, other common restrictions the RMV can impose on older drivers include:

• driving only while wearing a prosthetic aid
• driving only vehicles equipped with:
• adaptive devices
• an automatic transmission, or
• an outside mirror
• driving in daytime only (no night driving)
• following time-of-day restrictions—for example, no driving during rush hour, or
• wearing bioptic telescopic lenses while driving.

What Is an Unsafe Driver Investigation in Massachusetts?

Massachusetts is a "self-reporting" state. That means any driver who develops a medical condition that could affect the ability to drive safely must report it to the RMV. If you have concerns about how your medical condition affects your driving, the state encourages you to discuss your concerns with your doctor or family members. The RMV has a Safe Driver Checklist that can help you determine if you're still safe to drive.

The RMV's Medical Affairs office also accepts unsafe driver reports from law enforcement and licensed health care providers, including:

• registered nurses (RNs)
• licensed practical nurses (LPNs)
• doctors (MDs and DOs)
• physician's assistants (PAs)
• psychologists
• occupational therapists
• optometrists and ophthalmologists
• physical therapists, and
• podiatrists.

The reports must be filed in writing on a Request for Medical Evaluation Form and faxed or mailed to the Medical Affairs office as directed on the form. Because of Massachusetts' public records law, the RMV can't guarantee the reporter's anonymity.

Elder Outreach Program in Massachusetts

The Massachusetts RMV offers free, hour-long presentations for older drivers, their family members, caregivers, and relevant organizations, focusing on safe driving for seniors and the ins and outs of getting disability plates and placards in the state.

For more information about upcoming presentations in your area, call the RMV at 857-368-9457. Or to request a presentation in your community, complete a Community Outreach Workshop Request form and mail or email it as directed.

How to Get a License Reinstated

For information on how to get back a license that has been suspended or revoked in Massachusetts, see the RMV's suspension hearings information page.

How to Get Parking Placards or License Plates for a Driver with a Disability

Massachusetts issues disability parking placards and license plates to drivers with impaired mobility, as long as a licensed medical practitioner certifies the condition. Parking placards and plates are available for those who:

• can't walk 200 feet without stopping to rest
• can't walk or move about without help from another person, or using a brace, cane, crutch, prosthetic device, or wheelchair
• have severe lung disease
• use portable oxygen
• have a severe cardiac condition
• have severe arthritis
• are legally blind, or
• have lost or lost the use of one or more limbs.

The RMV issues both permanent parking placards and plates, which renew every five years, and temporary parking placards, which are valid for two months to four years. Special disabled veteran parking plates are also available to vets with at least a 60% disability rating from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

Learn more about getting a disabled placard or plate and download an application on the RMV's disability parking information page.

Learn More About Massachusetts Driving Rules for Seniors

The RMV website offers a wealth of information for drivers, including details on getting a Massachusetts driver's license and vehicle registration.

Of particular interest is the downloadable driver's manual, which contains safety tips and explanations of local rules of the road. The manual is available for download in English and more than a dozen other languages, including Spanish, Portuguese, and Chinese. The RMV also maintains a page on its website with information for older drivers.