Agency can then require drivers to take exams
Close relatives who are worried about a loved one's driving
ability soon will be able to get the state to re-examine those
drivers, thanks to a new Missouri law.
Starting Jan. 1, close relatives, doctors and police officers
will be able to report confidentially people who they believe
are incompetent to drive.
The Missouri Department of Revenue, the agency that issues driver
licenses, then can require the driver to take driving, vision
and other exams. The agency will decide whether to deny that
person a license.
Previously, anybody could re- port drivers, but their names
were not confidential, said officials with the Department of
Revenue.
This will help families help loved ones stop the driving pratcess,"
said Sen. Betty Sims, R- Ladue. Although Rep. Scott Lakln, D-Kaosas
City, sponsored the law (HBlS36) that the Legislature passed
Friday, Sims is a longtime supporter of the law and sponsored
a similar version in the Senate.
This gives the family the opportunity to gracefully say, 'Now
is the time to stop,' " she said.
The first versions of the law, introduced four years ago, targeted
older drivers with driving problems, advocates say.
But it evolved to include drivers of any age who may be unable
to drive because of problems with their physical or mental health.
Groups such as the Alzheimer's Association and the American
Association of Retired Persons joined in with their support.
Under the new law, only close family members or doctors will
be able to make reports. Family members may make only one report
every 12 months to prevent harassment of the driver. The name
or the person who reported the driver will be kept confidential
And that person will be protected from getting sued.
The law also sets up an advisory board of three doctors to help
the Department of Revenue set up guidelines.
