The petition's creators argue that advancing age is typically associated with declines in physical and cognitive abilities. They point to slower reflexes and a reduced capacity to pay attention to surroundings. According to the petition's creators, these factors can increase the risk of accidents.
However, some disagree with the petition, warning that the limitations are not generalised and that there are drivers over 75 with all their mental faculties who can drive safely. Thus, they argue that the assessment should be individual and not legislated.
Rules in Portugal
In Portugal, there are already rules aimed at older drivers, such as more frequent driver's license renewals. A medical certificate is also mandatory for this renewal.
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The petition's creators will hopefully reach this age in good mental and physical health and then be surprised why there independence is taken away especially if they live in the countryside.
By Richard Zarnitz from Other on 13 Apr 2026, 12:39
I would think they should rather petition the authorities to have more patrols on the roads. Those speeding, tailgating, not using indicators, ignoring stop signs, driving erratically at varying speeds, using a mobile whilst behind the wheel and driving unroadworthy vehicles are more to blame than over 75 year olds who probably have never had an accident.
By Ronald from Lisbon on 13 Apr 2026, 15:03
Figures about caraccidents in Europa tells us something very different: Most of the accidents are caused by youngsters between age of 18-24.
That's why in several EU countries the traffic insurance policies are more expensive for this group.
Elderly people's should be tested after 75 years of age every 5 years. That is how it's already working
By Dirk Bouwman from Algarve on 13 Apr 2026, 17:02
What about visitors, should they be penalised? Those bringing this petition should consider that most accidents are caused by lack of experience not old age, young age is a big factor.
By Colin Cummins from UK on 13 Apr 2026, 17:47
Absolutely ridiculous. The portuguese drivers are amongst the worst i have ever come accross regardless of age but noticeably amongst the 20 to 50 year old who tailgate and speed constantly. They have no spacial awareness at all. I would like to know what the accident stats are for drivers over 75. Better to spend more money on tougher driving exams and rural.public transport.
By Martin John from Alentejo on 13 Apr 2026, 17:53
Like everyone else who's written in to comment, this is a stupid idea and very unfair to those older drivers who are in good health and in command of their reflexes and faculties. How about a petition to ban drivers who have two drunk driving incidents? Instead, let's pick universally on those over an arbitrary age. I just don't understand the statist mentality in Europe that wants to delve into the midst of every right and privilege that people have.
By Tony from USA on 13 Apr 2026, 21:52
To implement such a general limitation is likely discriminatory and thus illegal in itself. These decisions should be data-driven and not due to a perception or feeling. Facts count more.
By Mauro from Lisbon on 14 Apr 2026, 09:36
Not related: why is the location menu so specific? My Portugal district isn’t listed.
In reference to this new restriction on 75 year old drivers: how do they suggest we get around? No real good public transportation outside of Lisbon? Those of us with limited movements? Hard to get around?
By Elsy Shallman from USA on 14 Apr 2026, 09:47
Concur with all others commenting. Why don't we club together to submit a counter petition to sack all driving instructors and make every Portuguese driver resit a more robust test with emphasis on road safety/courtesy. Over the Easter break there were 22 road deaths and 100+ injuries, I would bet that the stats show that youngsters were at fault & us oldies the victims.
By Bert from Beiras on 14 Apr 2026, 09:56
I presume any age ban would also include driver tourists 75 and over,and what about all the government members,I bet most of them are over 75.what a stupid non sensible idea,as a previous poster stated,check on the age group causing most accidents,20/30 would be my guess.
By David from Other on 14 Apr 2026, 09:59
This could only have been thought up by an ageist idiot who has never looked at what the younger generation get up to behind the wheel. We once got a lift from a driving instructor to take us to change our licenses to Portuguese. HE WAS TEXTING AT THE WHEEL WHILST DRIVING. And that is a man teaching younger drivers. Whoa.
By Martin Wootton from Lisbon on 14 Apr 2026, 10:28
Wow. As a pedestrian who doesn't own a car there are reasons why Portugal has one of the worst driving records in all of Europe and it has nothing to do with age. Watch out for the walkers and cyclists and stop driving through pedestrian walkways.
By Judith Berns from Porto on 14 Apr 2026, 11:45
75??? What?? that's way too early feels like it will hurt more people than it will save! Who are the "petition creators" a bunch of 12 year olds? There is plenty 75-80s that are still literal athletes and sharper than I am in my 30s!, just leave people alone already!
By Gav from Algarve on 14 Apr 2026, 14:02
What a stupid idea! It would condemn old people living in couple or alone in places where there are few or no public transportation to complete isolation. No shopping, no social life.
By patrick raffin from Algarve on 14 Apr 2026, 19:50
I hardly see any police patrols on the roads, these days. About time they became more active, rather than taking this easy option, which is very discriminatory.
By Steve from Algarve on 14 Apr 2026, 20:09
i love this!!! i wish they did that here in the USA.
By Jeffery Oliver from USA on 14 Apr 2026, 20:28
Maybe the promoters of the petition should first identify the distribution of accidents versus age! Likely and ironic, the promoters of the ban would be among the first to be banned from the road!
By A L Fernandes from Other on 15 Apr 2026, 07:44
Driving licences in the EU are governed by the 2006/126/EC and 2025/2205 Directives. These directives assumes that age is a risk factor to be assessed, not a disqualifying condition in itself. States are free to decide the minimum medical fitness standards. A blanket age ban would violate Article 21 "Non-discrimination" of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union - discrimination based on age only is not allowed - and would be disproportionate because clearly many people over 75 are medically fit to drive.
Therefore, this petition appears to be entirely pointless, a waste of time by their promoters, and even this discussion here is a waste of time - it can not happen.
By Furio from Lisbon on 15 Apr 2026, 09:29
The proposal to ban over-75s from driving in Portugal, there being similar calls for maximum age limits on driving motor veicles in other countries, is ageist. There is neither a good reason to ban any law-abiding driver who has a full driving licence or learner permit for the motor vehicle in question valid for use in Portugal from driving said motor vehicle in the country nor a good reason to end new applications for driver theory tests, learner permits, driving tests or full driving licences on the grounds of any maximum age. Furthermore, many people, over 75 and otherwise, depend on their motor vehicles for a number of reasons. I hope this petition is scrapped.
By Paul Lawrence from Other on 15 Apr 2026, 15:01
After watching an elderly man today who could barely walk try to drive away and fry his clutch in the process I am all in favor of rigorous testing of seniors.
I live in a rural area and this comment about lack of transit is nonsense.
By Mark from Lisbon on 16 Apr 2026, 18:02