While the myriad rules and regulations enforced by the Colorado Department of Revenue's Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) apply to drivers of all ages and stages, the state imposes some special requirements and restrictions on older drivers.
Colorado 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, Colorado:
Special rules apply to drivers who are 61 and older who seek to renew their licenses.
Time limits: Drivers age 61 and older must renew every 5 years; younger drivers renew every 10 years. No renewal online for drivers 66 and older, who can check eligibility to renew by mail by submitting name, date of birth, and license number to the Colorado Department of Revenue online.
Vision test: Required for drivers age 66 and over.
Written test: May be required if there are indications of driver impairment, based on a report by law enforcement, a court, a physician or optometrist, or a family member.
Road test: May be required if there are indications of driver impairment, based on a report by law enforcement, a court, a physician or optometrist, or a family member.
The Colorado DMV can place restrictions or conditions on a person's driver's license after administering a driving test and discussing possible restrictions with him or her.
The most common restriction for older drivers is to require glasses or corrective contact lenses.
Other common requirements the DMV may impose on older drivers include:
Written requests that the Colorado DMV examine or reexamine a driver may come from:
The request must include the reason for the re-exam or medical requirement. People requesting the examination must also include their full name and address and relationship to the driver. Such requests are not kept confidential; drivers are entitled to a copy of the request by paying a fee of $2.20.
Colorado physicians are encouraged, but not required, to report to the DMV patients' conditions that may cause a lapse of consciousness, seizures, or other medical conditions that may affect the ability to drive safely.
For information on how to get back a license that has been suspended or revoked, contact one of the Driver's License Offices located throughout the state.
Parking placards and license plates can be issued to drivers who have impaired mobility if a licensed medical professional verifies the condition.
The placards and plates are also available for those who:
Steps required to obtain a disabled placard or plate are:
The DMV website has a wealth of information for Colorado drivers, including current information on licensing and titling. Of special interest is the downloadable Colorado Driver Handbook, which contains tips on driver safety and local rules of the road.
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