Official Site of The State of New Jersey
Most people enjoy driving and wish to continue doing so for as long as they safely can. However, for many of us, the time may come when we must limit or stop driving, either temporarily or permanently. There are also cases where young adults with special needs may need to decide for the first time whether they are capable of driving. The following advice may be able to assist you or someone you care about.
If you have a family member who has difficulty driving because of a medical condition, you should report the situation to the MVC's Medical Review Unit. They will evaluate the driver and determine if their driving privileges should be restricted.
What are the warning signs that a driver's skills may not be at a safe level? Physicians and law enforcement professionals use numerous factors to evaluate drivers.
Any of the following may raise a safety concern:
- Not obeying traffic signals or motor vehicle laws;
- Driving too slowly;
- Multiple accidents or “close calls”;
- Inability to read signs;
- Fear or nervousness related to driving; and /or
- Vehicle has multiple signs of unexplained damage (dents, scratches, missing
- side view mirrors/parts.
Signs of Impairment:
- Confusion;
- Disorientation;
- Memory loss or lapses;
- Impaired or altered consciousness;
- Alzheimer’s or dementia;
- Neurological conditions such as seizure or blackout disorders; and/or
- Sleep disorders (sleep apnea)
If you have serious concerns about someone’s driving skills–including your own–there are numerous places where you may seek help before contacting the MVC’s Medical Review Unit:
- Physician or eye care specialist
- AARP
- Driving rehabilitation specialists
Not all medical conditions should keep motorists from driving. In some cases, it may simply be advisable for a person to drive only during daylight hours or only on roads with posted speed limits of 50 mph or lower.