LANSING, MI (WTVB) – In a move that could effect thousands of Branch County drivers, state lawmakers are considering Senate Bill 847, a measure that would implement some of the nation’s strictest licensing requirements for elderly drivers. Introduced by State Senator Rosemary Bayer, the bill would mandate that drivers aged 75 and older pass a vision exam, a written knowledge test, and a road skills test every four years to maintain their license.
Once a driver reaches age 85, these requirements would escalate to yearly.
The legislation, which was referred to the Senate Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, aims to address what proponents call a “hole in the system” regarding the oversight of aging motorists.
The push for stricter testing follows a rise in accidents involving older residents; 2024 data from Michigan Traffic Crash Facts shows that drivers aged 65 and older were involved in 279 fatal crashes and over 11,000 injury-related incidents.
The bill was inspired in part by a 2024 tragedy in which a 94-year-old driver fatally struck a woman after a minor rear-end collision. While some seniors argue the bill unfairly targets their demographic and infringes on their independence, supporters believe the measure is a logical step to ensure public safety on Michigan roads.
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