The Nevada Traffic Safety Crash Facts report, issued in November of 2024, establishes some of the state’s most recent car accident statistics. These show that older drivers have a significant risk of involvement in fatal car accidents. Nearly a quarter (24%) of all fatal accidents in Nevada involved at least one older driver.
That does not necessarily mean they caused all of these accidents, simply that they were involved. Still, older drivers often suffer from conditions that affect their driving ability. As a result, Nevada’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) imposes special restrictions on drivers over 70 years old, which are as follows.
Online Renewal Restrictions
It’s a common search query: “Can seniors renew drivers license online in Nevada?” The answer, however, is no. Drivers 71 and older are ineligible for online driver’s license renewals. Instead, any driving license renewal over 70 must be handled in person at a Nevada DMV location or by mail.
A vision test is also required for a Nevada driver’s license renewal over 70. If the individual chooses to renew in person, the DMV can conduct the vision test. If they decide to do so by mail, the DMV may require the driver to enclose the results of a vision test conducted by an optometrist or physician.
Shortened Renewal Term
In addition to restricting online Nevada driver’s license renewal for senior citizens, the state also shortens associated renewal terms. Drivers 65 and older must renew their driver’s licenses every four years, whereas drivers under 65 only renew their licenses every eight years.
Medical Examination
Senior drivers are not routinely required to submit medical examination records. However, the DMV can require them based on the driver’s circumstances. For example, the DMV may require a physical examination if the driver was involved in a rear-end collision where they could not react quickly enough to brake safely.
The driver also may be required to have a physician conduct an examination and report any of the following conditions:
- Poor vision
- Reduced reaction time
- Diminished flexibility and strength
- Dementia
- Medication use that may cause drowsiness
The DMV has the authority to impose these requirements on any driver, not just seniors. That power comes from the state’s licensing law, which specifically forbids the DMV from issuing a license to anyone who meets the following criteria:
- Diagnosed with or suffering from a mental disability or disease
- Failed a required physical examination
- Cannot operate a motor vehicle safely by reason of a physical or mental disability
Notably, age is not one of the criteria. Thus, the DMV could deny a license to a young person with any of these disabilities. Moreover, the DMV does not require all seniors to prove that they deserve a license by having a physical examination. Instead, the department imposes the requirement based on a driver’s accident history.
A senior’s relative can also petition the DMV to require a physical examination by filing a form describing the physical or mental condition that might affect the senior’s driving. The requesting party must be a spouse or blood relative within three degrees of consanguinity, such as children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and siblings can file the request.
Driving Restrictions
The DMV can grant restricted licenses to seniors for good cause. The Nevada Revised Statutes do not list the restrictions the DMV can enforce, though some possible limitations include the following:
- Must wear glasses or corrective lenses
- Cannot drive at night
- Must have two side mirrors
- Cannot drive on freeways
If a driver violates the restrictions on their license, a court may fine them, and the DMV may suspend their license.
Driver’s License Fees
Not all the news for senior drivers is negative; drivers 65 or older pay reduced driver’s license renewal fees, for instance.
Protecting Seniors And Road Users
Nevada’s system for ensuring road safety may not be perfect, but it balances the needs of road users with seniors’ right to be free from discrimination by handling each case based on their individual circumstances.
Contact Our Las Vegas Car Accident Law Firm For Help Today
If you’ve been injured in Las Vegas, NV, and need legal help contact our Las Vegas car accident attorneys at De Castroverde Accident & Injury Lawyers to schedule a free case evaluation today.
De Castroverde Accident & Injury Lawyers – Las Vegas Office
1149 S Maryland Pkwy, Las Vegas, NV. 89104
(702) 222-9999
De Castroverde Accident & Injury Lawyers – Summerlin Office
410 S Rampart Blvd, Ste 480 Las Vegas, NV. 89145
(702) 297-6373
De Castroverde Accident & Injury Lawyers – Henderson Office
9555 S Eastern Ave, Las Vegas, NV. 89123
(702) 997-4264
