What is the “S” sticker intended to be affixed by seniors to their car?
Recently, a rumor emerged on social media that an “S” sticker was going to become mandatory for drivers over 70 years old. If this is not the case, this sticker for seniors does exist and can be used.
An S sticker for senior drivers soon to be mandatory, really? A rumor circulating on social networks suggests that those over 70 will soon be obliged to stick an “S” sticker on the back of their car to inform other drivers of their age.
we want to introduce an “S” for seniors on their car!! why not “AI” inveterate alcoholic or “D” drug addicts or “MM” mentally ill!!!
— BONAPARTE (@Pinocumetable) January 29, 2016
For those concerned, rest assured, this is a fake. The government explains on the road safety site “that there are no plans to make it compulsory to affix an ‘S’ sticker to the rear of cars driven by people over 70 years old.”
A vignette created in 2016
However, the S sticker really exists and it is possible for seniors to obtain one. “People who consider it useful to display such a badge on their vehicle are completely free to do so but there is no plan to make this display compulsory,” we can read on the road safety website . This sticker was created by an individual in 2016.
Since 2004, it has been compulsory for novice drivers to display the letter “A” on the back of their vehicle for three years (or two if they have done accompanied driving). But there was never any question of making the “S” obligatory, even if the question of elderly people’s licenses is often at the heart of the debates.
Seniors do not create more accidents than others
Contrary to what one might think, the elderly do not cause more accidents than others according to statistics. They are even the ones who provoke the least.
The latter are responsible for 10% of recorded incidents (nearly 20% for 18-24 year olds), according to figures from the National Interministerial Road Safety Observatory (ONISR). However, 69 more people aged 65 to 74 died in 2022 compared to 2021.
