AZE.US
Azerbaijan has reminded older motorists that drivers over the age of 70 are issued driving licenses for a shorter period, as the country applies age-linked renewal rules aimed at improving road safety.
Under current regulations, driving licenses issued to people over 60 remain valid until they reach the age of 70. After that, licenses are issued for two years, with medical checks becoming a more important part of the renewal process.
Azer Badamov, a member of parliament, said the existing approach is balanced because it does not automatically restrict older people from driving, while still taking into account the health risks that can increase with age.
Badamov said vision and hearing problems, slower reaction time and chronic illnesses may affect a person’s ability to drive safely, especially after 60.
At the same time, he said age alone should not be treated as a reason to remove someone’s right to drive. If a person is medically fit and able to operate a vehicle safely, that right should continue.
The stricter two-year renewal period after 70 is intended to ensure closer medical supervision, he said. A driver, Badamov added, is responsible not only for their own life, but also for passengers, other motorists and pedestrians.
He said the rules should not be viewed as discrimination against elderly people. The purpose, according to him, is to reduce accident risks and make sure that drivers on the road remain medically capable of driving safely.
AZE.US