Hearing Planned For Mass. Elderly Driver Bill

Beacon Hill lawmakers are planning a hearing on a bill that would require drivers 75 and older to pass cognitive and physical tests.

The bill would also allow doctors and police officers to report to the Registrar of Motor Vehicles if they believe a driver is unable to safely operate their car. The operator's license would be suspended and subject to review by the registrar within 30 days.

The bill also gives drivers the right to appeal.

Older drivers would be required to repeat the cognitive and physical tests every time their licenses were renewed after that.

The crackdown follows a spate of fatal accidents involving elderly drivers in Massachusetts.

A public hearing is scheduled for Tuesday at the State House.