In the German federal state of Thuringia, hundreds of people have had their driver’s licenses revoked—not for traffic violations, but for health reasons! Yes, you read that right. Last year, around 400 individuals lost their licenses because authorities deemed them medically unfit to drive. Older citizens were especially affected, with some districts like Nordhausen seeing more license revocations than the rest of the country.
According to the Thuringia Ministry of the Interior, licenses were revoked due to various health issues including impaired vision, neurological diseases, and mental disorders. In some cases, despite health problems, drivers were allowed to continue driving if they underwent regular medical check-ups, especially when restrictions were temporary.
Nordhausen district recorded 89 cases, Zalfeld 74, and Erfurt 64. Meanwhile, Weimar and its surroundings had significantly fewer cases—12 and 14 respectively. These measures are in line with laws stating that certain health conditions can affect driving ability.
The decisions have sparked heated debates and public outcry. Is this the start of mass license revocations for older people? Could something similar happen here? One thing is clear—driver’s licenses are no longer just about traffic rules, but also about health. What do you think? Is this going too far or is it necessary? Drop your thoughts and let’s get the conversation rolling!
