CrimeBeat Q&A: Height-impaired drivers no problem in California

CrimeBeat Q&A is a weekly feature where reporters answers readers' questions about local crimes and the law.

Is there a height requirement to drive? Does being a shorter driver present a hazard because of limited visibility?

Greg Scherer,

Santa Rosa

You pull up to a stop light. Something seems missing in the car in front of you. There's no driver! Or is there?

The signal changes and the car pulls away. You stare in disbelief and glimpse a silhouette of a head about dashboard level. The driver is super short.

It doesn't seem safe, you think, and it couldn't be legal.

But the fact is, there is no minimum height requirement to drive a car. California law says people of any stature may get behind the wheel as long as they are able to drive safely.

That means they must be able to locate and operate the vehicle's controls, including the foot brake, accelerator pedal and steering wheel, said DMV spokesman Artemio Armenta.

In some cases, doing so might require the use of adaptive devices, such as pedal extenders, full hand controls or seat height adjustments, he said. If adaptive devices are used, a restriction will be noted on the license requiring these adaptive devices be installed in any vehicle the person drives, he said.

“While there is no specific height requirement to obtain a California driver license, the (driver) must be able to safely control a motor vehicle,” Armenta said.

And they must demonstrate that control to get a license in the first place. DMV testers score prospective drivers on smooth steering and braking.

The idea is to make sure any physical limitations don't endanger anyone on the road.

People who observe driving for a living say there's no evidence that shorter people -- or anyone with a disability requiring adaptive devices -- pose additional risks or are involved in more crashes.

Santa Rosa police Sgt. Chad Heiser, a supervisor of the department's traffic enforcement team, said as long as a person has met licensing requirements and is making necessary accommodations, such as the use of a booster seat to ensure visibility, they should be safe.

“There are good drivers and bad drivers,” Heiser said. “It comes down to ability. I wouldn't say height or size affects that.”

You can reach Staff Writer Paul Payne at 707-568-5312 or paul.payne@pressdemocrat.com. On Twitter @ppayne.