Best bet
Medical standards related to driving, Mass. Registry of Motor Vehicles.
Provides information for older drivers as well as their families and physicians, how to get a disability plate or placard, how to report a medically impaired driver, and more. Also includes medical standards for the following types of driver's licenses:
Massachusetts laws
MGL c. 90, § 8 says, in part, "An applicant for the renewal of a license 75 years of age or older shall apply for a renewal in person at a registry branch office"
MGL c. 90, § 8C Medical advisory board; standards of fitness for applicants for learner's permits and licenses
MGL c. 90, § 22I Permits health care providers and law enforcement officers to report a person to the Registry of Motor Vehicles if they believe the individual cannot safely operate a motor vehicle
Massachusetts regulations
105 CMR 309 Safe driving
Defines mental and physical driving impairments.
540 CMR 2.06(3)(K) Requirements for driver licenses
Completion of road test may be required by the Registry of Motor Vehicles if there is reason to believe a person is physically or mentally incapable of operating a motor vehicle.
540 CMR 24 Medical qualifications for operators of motor vehicles
"provid[es] minimum physical and mental qualification standards determined to be necessary for the safe operation of a motor vehicle."
Federal regulations
49 CFR 391.41 Physical qualifications for drivers of commercial motor vehicles
Forms
Medical evaluation form, Mass. Registry of Motor Vehicles.
Must be completed by a medical doctor licensed to practice in Massachusetts.
Request for medical evaluation, Mass. Registry of Motor Vehicles.
Form used by a medical provider or law enforcement officer to report a driver who is on longer physically and/or cognitively capable of operating a motor vehicle.
Web sources
Driving resources in Massachusetts, MassMobility.
"Some resources are available to support older adults, people with disabilities, and low-income commuters in driving affordably and safely in Massachusetts."
Medical review practices for driver licensing, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 2017.
State summary for Massachusetts begins on page 180 of volume 3.
Senior driver safety & mobility, American Automobile Association.
Includes evaluating your driving ability, improving your driving skills, and resources for family and friends.
Your health and driving safely, Mass. Medical Society.
Pamphlet with list of medical conditions that can affect driving as well as driving evaluation and driver training programs.
Your health and driving safely in Massachusetts, Mass. Registry of Motor Vehicles, revised January 2025.
Contains information about the signs of unsafe driving, adaptive driving equipment, and alternative means of transportation.
Print sources
Elder law education guide, Massachusetts Bar Association, 2023. (Also available online)
Chapter 14: Older adult driving.
Motor vehicle law and practice: with forms, 5th ed. (Mass. Practice v.11) Thomson Reuters, 2021 with supplement.
Sections 3:86 to 3:103 Medical issues pertaining to license to operate.
Contact
Online
| Last updated: | March 6, 2025 |
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