Michigan Lawmakers Push Elderly Driver Safety Bill

LANSING, Mich. — Following a tragic fatal crash in southwestern Michigan, state Sen. Rosemary Bayer has introduced legislation that would require drivers 75 and older to undergo regular vision, written, and driving skills tests to renew or obtain a driver's license.

The proposal, Senate Bill 847, was introduced on March 18, 2026, and has been referred to the Senate Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. The bill would mandate that drivers age 75 and older pass three tests every four years, while those 85 and older would need to complete the same evaluations annually.

The Tragic Catalyst

Bayer's office said the legislation was inspired by a constituent whose wife was struck and killed by a 94-year-old driver in October 2024. Christopher Thexton, whose wife Sarah Jane Thexton was a 59-year-old Novi resident, called the senator's office to advocate for changes to Michigan's driving laws.

Phyllis Stafford, 94 at the time of the incident, first rear-ended Thexton's vehicle at a Wixom intersection, then ran over the Novi mother who had exited her vehicle to inspect the damage. Stafford later pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor and was sentenced to nine months of house arrest.

"It seemed like a kind of a hole in the system that older drivers were allowed to kind of drive unchecked," Thexton told CBS Detroit. "This was a completely preventable tragedy."

The Data Behind the Proposal

According to Michigan Traffic Crash Facts data from 2024, drivers 65 and older made up 26% of all drivers in Michigan — more than 1.9 million people. While this older demographic represented 12.2% of all crashes that year, they accounted for 18.7% of drivers in fatal crashes.

The statistics show a concerning trend: the number of crashes involving drivers 65 and older has increased by 22% since 2015, while fatal crashes involving this age group jumped nearly 71% over the same period.

"This is a really scary jump," Bayer noted. "You shouldn't wait until someone gets run over or gets in a crash or kills somebody and then take away the license. It's not a terribly inconvenient thing to go into the office."

Current Law vs. Proposed Changes

Under current Michigan law, drivers are required to renew their license every four years. However, as long as they have a good driving record, they can generally renew online, by mail, or at kiosks — without appearing in person for additional tests.

A vision test is currently required only when drivers receive their first license and whenever they renew at a branch office. Drivers must renew in person at least once every 12 years.

Bayer's bill would change this by requiring in-person renewal with three tests for all drivers 75 and older:

  • A vision test
  • A written knowledge test
  • A driving skills test

The bill would also require that these tests be conducted at the secretary of state's office, and Bayer stated the state would bear the cost to ease the renewal process for elderly drivers.

AARP Opposition

The American Association for Retired Persons (AARP) Michigan has expressed opposition to the legislation, arguing it targets drivers solely on the basis of age without consideration of an individual's actual ability.

"Michigan should focus on individualized, evidence-based approaches — such as reviewing driving records or addressing specific medical concerns — rather than policies that restrict independence, limit access to essential services, and discriminate against older residents," said Jason Lachowski, associate state director for AARP Michigan.

Some older drivers have also voiced concerns about the proposal. Pea Gee, almost 70, told Local 4 that many drivers in her age group remain safe and alert. "I don't know if I'm too happy about this," she said. "It is not the older people that generate a lot of these accidents, it's the younger drivers."

Stephen Rogers, another older driver, questioned whether the bill goes too far, particularly for drivers 85 and older who would need three tests each year. "I think that would be overkill," Rogers said. "I think that's quite a bit too much. I think that's if you can't get them that way, you get them this way. I don't agree with that."

Broader Context: Elderly Driving Laws

Michigan would be among roughly 20 states with some form of specific requirements for elderly drivers. Other states have implemented various approaches, including shorter renewal periods, vision or road test requirements, and in-person renewal mandates.

Currently, the Secretary of State's Office has the authority under the Michigan Vehicle Code to reexamine drivers and can restrict, suspend, or revoke driving privileges based on evaluation results. However, age cannot be the basis of requests for driver evaluation under current law.

As recently as December 2025, Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson released information during Older Driver Safety Awareness Week covering driver reassessments, the impact of medications and health problems on driving, local public transit options, and strategies for conversations around discontinuing driving.

Next Steps and Compromise Potential

Bayer noted that she has been in discussions with Secretary of State officials but has not yet reached an agreement on the bill's implementation. The cost of implementing the proposed testing is estimated at least $6 million annually, even with less restrictive legislation.

"We've drafted the language as we had originally proposed," Bayer said, indicating she expects negotiations before the bill is ready for a vote. She anticipates Senate action before summer break, with House consideration likely after the November election.

Potential compromises could include raising the age threshold for mandatory testing or eliminating the road test requirement while keeping vision and written tests.

Public Safety vs. Independence

The debate highlights a tension between public safety concerns and maintaining the independence of older Michigan residents. While data shows an increase in crashes among drivers 65 and older, many in this demographic remain healthy and capable of safe driving.

Bayer emphasized that the legislation aims to proactively address safety concerns rather than waiting for tragedies to occur. "If you're still perfectly fine to drive, you don't lose your license," she said. "All it's going to cost you is a little bit of your time."

The bill has seen little movement beyond its referral to committee, and its fate remains uncertain in the current divided Legislature.