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Can the state revoke a driver's license because of your age?

Can the state revoke a driver's license because of your age?

Full question:

My father is over 80 years old and still insists on driving. He is confined to a wheelchair because of the extremely limited use of his legs. Therefore, his impaired ability to brake impairs his reaction time. He says that if I take the car or the keys that he will have me arrested for theft. Is this a viable threat? Shouldn't the state revoke his license at his age, solving the problem?

Category: Drivers License
Date: 04/07/2025
State: Alabama

Answer:

Please see the information at the following links:

http://www.psychiatrictimes.com/showArticle.jhtml?articleId=165700657

http://www.drdriving.org/elderly/

This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.

FAQs

How do I know when my elderly parent should stop driving?

You should consider having your elderly parent stop driving if they exhibit signs of impaired judgment, slow reaction times, or difficulty with physical tasks, such as braking. Additionally, if they have health issues affecting their ability to operate a vehicle safely, it may be time to discuss the situation with them. Regular evaluations by a medical professional can also help determine their fitness to drive.

How do you legally stop an elderly person from driving?

To legally stop an elderly person from driving, you can report your concerns to your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). They may conduct an evaluation of the individual's driving ability. In some cases, you might also consider discussing the matter with a doctor who can provide a professional assessment and recommend that the person stop driving.

How to get dad to stop driving?

Approach the conversation with empathy and concern for your dad's safety and the safety of others. Share specific observations about his driving abilities and suggest alternatives, such as public transportation or rides from family. If he resists, you may need to involve a healthcare professional who can provide an objective assessment of his driving capabilities.

Can family members be held liable for allowing an elderly parent to drive?

Family members may face liability if they knowingly allow an elderly parent to drive when they are unfit to do so, especially if an accident occurs. If it can be shown that they were aware of the parent's impaired ability and did nothing, they could potentially be held responsible for negligence. It's important to take concerns seriously and act accordingly.

What if my dad refuses to stop driving?

If your dad refuses to stop driving despite concerns about his safety, consider involving a healthcare professional who can assess his abilities. You may also report your concerns to the DMV, which can evaluate his fitness to drive. It’s essential to approach the situation with care and compassion to encourage a constructive dialogue.

What if an elderly parent refuses to stop driving?

If an elderly parent refuses to stop driving, it's important to have an open and honest conversation about your concerns. Suggest a medical evaluation to assess their driving abilities. If they still refuse, you may need to report your concerns to the state's DMV, which can investigate their fitness to drive. Safety should be the priority.