Nevada Driving Laws for Seniors and Older Drivers

The myriad rules and regulations enforced by the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) apply to drivers of all ages and stages, the state imposes some special requirements and restrictions on older drivers.

Nevada state rules are explained in more detail below, but a number of them focus on identifying and handling older drivers who may have become unsafe.

Specifically, Nevada:

• requires drivers age 65 and older to renew their licenses in person, and
• accepts requests from family members, law enforcement, state agencies, and other organizations for the DMV to conduct unsafe driver investigations.

License Renewal Rules for Older Drivers in Nevada

Special rules apply to drivers who are 65 and older who seek to renew their licenses.

Time limits: Drivers age 65 and older must renew every four years; younger drivers are required to renew in person once every eight years. Drivers age 65 and older may be eligible to renew their license by mail or fax if they receive a full-page application with their renewal notice.

Vision test: Required at renewal and may be required more frequently at the discretion of DMV or medical personnel. DMV personnel will conduct a test free, or drivers can have an exam performed by an outside physician or optometrist, who must complete an Eye Examination Certificate and conduct the exam within 90 days of the renewal request.

Written test: May be required based on medical or driving history.

Road test: May be required based on medical or driving history.

Possible License Restrictions

The DMV can place restrictions or conditions on a person's driver's license based on medical conditions or history.

The most common restriction for older drivers is to require glasses or corrective contact lenses.

In Nevada, other common requirements the DMV may impose on older drivers include:

• no freeway driving
• vehicle must be equipped with automatic transmission
• an additional right side mirror on a vehicle
• vehicle must be equipped with a left foot accelerator
• driving only while wearing a prosthetic device
• daylight driving only
• driving speed restricted to 45 mph or less, and
• wearing telescopic lens when driving.

Licenses may also specify that a vision exam, drive test, or medical exam must be conducted every six months or yearly if the driver's doctor indicates that a medical condition merits it.

How to Request an Unsafe Driver Investigation in Nevada

The Nevada DMV will accept information about a potentially unsafe driver from family members, law enforcement officers, and representatives from state agencies and other organizations. DMV representatives may also initiate inquiries on their own.

Concerned relatives can complete a Request for Re-Evaluation describing the driver and their concerns. Their signature must be witnessed by a notary or a DMV representative. And the request must be accompanied by an affidavit from a doctor who agrees that the driver should be re-evaluated.

Law enforcement officers or state agency representatives who have observed a driver and are concerned about his or her unsafe driving should complete a Request for Re-Examination; such requests need not be accompanied by a doctor's affidavit.

A DMV representative who "has good cause to believe" that a driver has any physical or mental disability or disease that may contribute to unsafe driving may require physical or mental examinations and reports by a licensed physician, psychiatrist, psychologist, certified drug and alcohol counselor, or any other competent authority to complete a Confidential Physician's Report on that driver.

How to Get a License Reinstated

Requirements for reinstating a license that has been suspended or revoked vary according to the situation. For more information, see "License Suspensions & Revocations."

How to Get Parking Placards or License Plates for a Disabled Driver

Disabled person parking placards and license plates can be issued to drivers with impaired mobility if a licensed medical practitioner certifies the condition.

The placards and plates are available for those who:

• cannot walk 200 feet without stopping to rest
• cannot walk without the use of, or assistance from, a brace, cane, crutch, another person, prosthetic device, wheelchair, or other assistive device
• have a severe cardiac condition
• have severe lung disease
• are severely limited in the ability to walk due to an arthritic, neurological, or orthopedic condition
• have a visual disability, or
• use portable oxygen.

To obtain a disabled placard or plate:

• Complete and sign a Disabled Persons License Plates and/or Placards Application.
• Have a licensed physician, physician's assistant, or advanced practice registered nurse complete the second half of the application.
• First time applicants must apply in person to a local DMV office—and bring in the vehicle registration and current Nevada evidence of insurance.

Learn More About Nevada Driving Rules for Seniors

The DMV website has a wealth of information for Nevada drivers, including links to the controlling laws and regulations. Of special interest is the "Driver's Handbook," which includes explanations of licensing and vehicle registration rules and driving safety tips.

Where to Find a Lawyer for Help

You can use Nolo's Lawyer Directory to find a local lawyer experienced in representing older people who need help with auto accidents or traffic tickets in Nevada.