Michigan Driving Laws for Seniors and Older Drivers

Nearly one-quarter of Michigan's 7.7 million drivers are 65 or older, a number that's growing along with the state's population of older adults, the fastest-growing segment of Michigan's population. The number of Michigan residents 55 and older is projected to increase by 14% between 2022 and 2050.

As the number of older drivers grows, so does the risk of age-related impairments that can affect driving ability. But the state claims to impose no special requirements on drivers based solely on age. The many rules and regulations enforced by the Michigan Secretary of State (SOS) apply to drivers of all ages and stages.

But that's not to say the state may not do anything when a senior's driving becomes unsafe. To keep drivers and roadways safe, the SOS accepts requests for driver assessments from citizens concerned about an individual driving unsafely. And the SOS may place restrictions on someone's driver's license if they're deemed unsafe

Michigan License Renewal Rules for Older Drivers

As mentioned, Michigan has no special rules for drivers based on age. All drivers must follow the same laws and renewal procedures, regardless of age.

When Must Michigan Seniors Renew Driver's Licenses?

Whether you have a standard driver's license, a Real ID-compliant license, or an enhanced driver's license, your license will expire every four years on your birthday. You can renew your driver's license up to a year before it expires and up to four years after (late fees might apply).

Do Michigan Seniors Have to Take a Vision Test to Renew Licenses?

If you're eligible to renew your Michigan driver's license online, by mail, or at a self-service station, you don't need a vision test. But if you renew your license in person at an SOS office, you'll need to pass one. SOS personnel will conduct the vision test for free.

If the SOS requires it, you must have an additional eye test performed by an outside ophthalmologist or optometrist, who must complete a Vision Specialist's Statement of Examination. Your eye doctor must conduct the exam within six months of the renewal request.

Do Michigan Seniors Have to Renew Their Driver's Licenses In Person?

Drivers in Michigan can renew their licenses online, by mail, or at a self-service station most of the time. But state law requires all drivers to renew their licenses in person at a Secretary of State office every 12 years to update the photograph and other information.

You might be required to renew in person at other times as well. For instance, in-person renewal is required if any of the following apply:

• You have any health changes that might affect your ability to drive safely.
• You renewed online, by mail, or at a self-service station for your last two renewals.
• It's been 12 years or more since your last in-person renewal.
• The Department of State can't verify your Social Security number.
• You're not a citizen of the United States (non-citizens must renew in person every time).

When Do Older Michigan Drivers Have to Take a Written or Road Test?

Michigan doesn't require older drivers to retake a written exam or driving test based solely on age. But, the SOS can require a reexamination—including a road test—if there's reason to believe you have a medical condition (mental or physical) that could make driving unsafe. Drivers involved in several injury accidents or a fatal crash can also be required to retest. (Mich. Comp. Laws § 257.320(1).)

Possible License Restrictions for Older Michigan Drivers

The Michigan SOS can place restrictions or conditions on your driver's license when you receive or renew your license if necessary to ensure you can operate a vehicle safely. (Mich. Admin. Code r. 257.855(2).)

The most common restriction for older Michigan drivers is the requirement to wear glasses or corrective contact lenses. Other common license restrictions the SOS can impose on older drivers include:

• no freeway driving
• an additional right side mirror on a vehicle
• no nighttime driving
• other time of day restrictions—for example, no driving during rush hour traffic
• supports required to maintain a proper driving position
• geographic area restrictions—for example, driving only within a certain neighborhood or along a specific route, or
• wearing glasses fitted with bioptic telescopic lenses when driving.

How to Request an Unsafe Driver Investigation in Michigan

Under Michigan law, the SOS has the authority to investigate the fitness of any driver and, when necessary, restrict, suspend, or revoke driving privileges. The SOS accepts requests for driver evaluations from many sources, including:

• medical professionals
• law enforcement
• the legal community
• adult protective services
• license office staff, and
• family members and friends

The SOS doesn't accept anonymous reports, but keeps your information confidential to the extent permitted by law.

There are two ways to request that the SOS review driving qualifications:

• write and sign a letter requesting a driver evaluation, or
• download and complete a Request for Driver Evaluation (form DA-88).

Your request letter or completed form must include specific reasons you're requesting that the SOS evaluate the driver, along with the driver's information, including the person's:

• name
• birthdate
• address, and
• driver's license number (if you have it).

You can email your completed request for driver evaluation form or letter, along with any related documentation you have, to [email protected] or fax it to the SOS at 517-335-2189. You can also mail it to:

Michigan Department of State
Traffic Safety Division
P.O. Box 30810
Lansing, MI 48909-9832

You'll receive a notice by mail when the SOS has received your request, unless you live at the same address as the driver you reported. Learn more about Michigan's driver re-examination process.

How to Get a License Reinstated

If the Michigan SOS suspends or revokes your license because you have a medical condition, vision impairment, or other disability that affects your ability to drive, you might get it back if your condition improves. But you'll need to provide a medical statement from your doctor or a vision test result that verifies it's safe for you to drive.

For information on how to get a suspended or revoked Michigan driver's license back, see the SOS's reinstatement review page.

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

The Michigan SOS issues disability parking placards and license plates to drivers and others with impaired mobility if a licensed medical practitioner certifies the condition. To qualify for a disability parking placard or plate, you must be blind or have a condition that significantly limits your ability to walk, including:

• an arthritic, neurological, or orthopedic condition that makes walking extremely difficult
• the inability to walk more than 200 feet without having to stop and rest
• a lung disease with deterioration in expiratory volume
• a severe cardiovascular condition
• dependence on supplemental oxygen
• the need for an ambulatory aid, such as a wheelchair, walker, crutch, or brace.

Disability license plates and permanent and temporary disability parking placards are available to individuals who need them. You must renew disability parking places annually, like any other license plate. You'll need to renew a permanent parking placard every four years.

Temporary placards are valid for six months and can't be renewed. If your condition hasn't improved after six months, you'll need to submit a new application for a disability parking placard.

To get a disability parking plate or placard, complete the application and have part two of the application completed and signed by one of the following licensed medical professionals:

• a physician
• a chiropractor
• a optometrist
• a physician's assistant, or
• a nurse practitioner.

If you qualify for a free parking sticker, have your health care provider also complete part three of the Disability Parking Placard Application.

Submit your parking plate or placard application in person at any Secretary of State branch office or by mail to:

Michigan Department of State
Internal Services Section
P.O. Box 30764
Lansing, MI 48918

Self-service stations can't process disability parking applications or renewals. While you can't apply for a disability parking placard or plates online, you can renew or replace them using the SOS's online services.

Learn More About Michigan Driving Rules for Seniors

The SOS website has a wealth of information for Michigan drivers, including explanations for licensing drivers and registering vehicles. You can also download a copy of Michigan's driver's manual, "What Every Driver Must Know." It's available in English and eight other languages, including Spanish and Arabic.

There's also a special section for aging drivers and their families. It provides safe driving tips, self-assessment tests for seniors, and guidance for family members who have concerns about a driver's safety behind the wheel.