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  • by Eli Moore, Westchester County Traffic Attorney

What Every Senior Citizen Driver in New York Needs to Know


While there are no set rules about at what age a person needs to give up his or her driver's license in New York, the state does have special rules for older drivers. The aim of these rules to is to make sure that everyone on the road can respond quickly and effectively to hazardous conditions.

If you're a senior citizen driver, here's what you need to know:

1. You will probably need to get a vision test from the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or bring the results of a vision test from a qualified provider in order to renew your driver's license.

2. If your physician, family member, police officer, friend, neighbor, or anyone is concerned that you, as a driver, may pose a danger to yourself or others on the road, he or she can request that you be given a driver re-evaluation from the DMV. 3. If you do not appear for an interview that is requested by the DMV, your license will be suspended.

4. The DMV may put certain restrictions on you as an older adult, after they have observed you during a driving test. These restrictions can specify that you are only allowed to drive during daylight or you are not allowed to drive on highways with off-ramps and on-ramps.

5. The DMV may require you to wear hearing aids or telescopic lenses while driving, and/or to install special equipment in your car.

6. The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) and the American Automobile Association (AAA) offer courses to help senior drivers brush up on their defensive driving skills. In addition to being helpful on the road, taking these classes can save you money on your car insurance.

To avoid common mistakes that can cost you penalties, points, and increases to your car insurance premium, read "Don't Plead Guilty to a Traffic Ticket Until You Read This!' (http://bit.ly/2Etdv45) t And the sure to check if you're up to date on traffic ticket laws in New York State ("How Traffic Ticket Savvy Are You? (http://bit.ly/2Cr7YhI).

Finally, if you need an experienced traffic attorney in Westchester County or the Bronx, contact Eli Moore for a free consultation at EliMooreLaw@gmail.com or call (914) 725-0028.

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