Massachusetts Elderly Driver Bill Stalls on Beacon Hill

A bill that would require Massachusetts drivers age 75 or older to pass cognitive and physical exams every time they renew their licenses has stalled on Beacon Hill.

The legislation gained momentum this summer after a spate of car accidents involving elderly drivers.

But when lawmakers closed their formal legislative session Wednesday, the bill was stuck in committee.

House Transportation Chairman Rep. Joseph Wagner, who voted to recommend the bill, now says the bill should delete any age-based testing requirement.

The Chicopee Democrat said the state should focus on weeding out unfit drivers regardless of age.

But other supporters of the bill say there’s evidence the ability to drive safely decreases with age. They say it’s unrealistic to have legislation that doesn’t require some kind of age-based testing.