False Information Regarding New Driving License Regulations for Drivers Aged 70 and Above Circulates Online | Carscoops

      Widespread assertions regarding stringent new driving regulations for seniors are inaccurate; only minor updates at the state level exist, with no changes enacted nationwide.

      6 hours ago

      by Stephen Rivers

      Articles that circulated widely falsely reported the implementation of strict federal driving regulations for elderly drivers starting on July 1.

      Various sources have verified that the claims in these articles, which included changing dates, were completely fabricated.

      In fact, there are no substantial federal modifications; only minor updates at the state level for senior drivers.

      Our featured image has been entirely generated by artificial intelligence. The background, the individual, and even the interior of the vehicle are all fictitious. Fortunately, this particular image doesn't pose a risk of misleading anyone into a particular narrative. However, that is not the case with the topic at hand. A few months ago, an article, likely generated by AI, began circulating online, claiming that new federal driving regulations would be enforced for elderly drivers.

      A Summary of the Inaccurate Claims

      This claim is simply untrue, but let’s examine the assertions made in the article further. It primarily claimed that individuals aged 70 and older would be subject to new regulations starting July 1 to continue driving. Those over 70 but below 80 would allegedly need to renew their licenses in person and undergo a vision test every four years.

      Read: Texas Is Finally Eliminating Paper License Plates

      Moreover, drivers aged over 80 but younger than 87 would supposedly have to renew their licenses every two years and might also be required to pass a cognitive screening test. Lastly, individuals over 86 would reportedly need to take a mandatory driving test and vision test and renew their licenses annually. The article even stated that, while this was a federal directive, states would be able to implement it with their own modifications.

      What Actually Occurred?

      Naturally, July 1 came and went without any changes taking place. Many articles of this nature simply revised their claims, saying the rules would now take effect on August 1 instead. It’s hard to pinpoint the original source, but there’s an example of such claims on a site that appears to host multiple similarly sensational articles.

      Other comparable stories have emerged claiming the same regulations will be enacted in countries like Canada and Australia as well. Crucially, numerous sources have confirmed that these articles are not authentic.

      Confirmed as Fabricated

      Snopes and AL.com are among many outlets that have validated the article’s inaccuracy. Additionally, AI detection tools indicate that the content of the linked article is largely, if not entirely, produced by artificial intelligence. Currently, the reality is that there are minimal changes occurring nationwide for elderly drivers.

      As it stands, no significant nationwide alterations for elderly drivers are planned in the United States. While some states are discussing alterations, these tend to be limited in nature and not anywhere near what the articles described. For instance, Illinois is contemplating raising the age threshold at which senior drivers must take a driving test, but even that proposed change is minor by comparison.

      Here’s a list compiled by the insurer Progressive, outlining the rules that apply to each state regarding older drivers.

      State-by-State Rules for Older Drivers

      Alabama:

      - License renewal every 4 years

      - Vision test requirement: None

      - Mail or online renewal availability: Online every other renewal

      Alaska:

      - License renewal every 5 years

      - Vision test requirement: Age 69 and older every renewal

      - Mail or online renewal availability: Not permitted for 69 and older

      Arizona:

      - License renewal every 5 years for those aged 65 and over

      - Vision test requirement: Every renewal

      - Mail or online renewal availability: No

      Arkansas:

      - License renewal every 4 or 8 years for those aged 70 and over (personal choice)

      - Vision test requirement: Every other renewal for all drivers

      - Mail or online renewal availability: No

      California:

      - License renewal every 5 years

      - Vision test requirement: Every renewal for those aged 70 and over

      - Mail or online renewal availability: Not permitted for those aged 70 and over

      Colorado:

      - License renewal every 5 years

      - Vision test requirement: Every renewal

      - Mail or online renewal availability: Both, if photograph is newer than 16 years

      Connecticut:

      - License renewal every 2 years permitted for those aged 65 and older (personal choice)

      - Vision test requirement: None

      - Mail or online renewal availability: Both, every other renewal

      District of Columbia:

      - License renewal every 8 years

      - Vision test requirement: Every renewal

      - Mail or online renewal availability: Not permitted for those aged 70 and older

      Delaware:

      - License renewal every 8 years

      - Vision test requirement: Every renewal

      - Mail or online renewal availability: No

      Florida:

      - License renewal every 6 years for those aged 80 and older

      - Vision