Epilepsy Information

The Law


Driving laws vary from state to state.  Some states require that the physician report the patient with seizures to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), while others require that the patient divulge their seizure activity on their own. There are specific rules and regulations that apply to specific kinds of licenses (Regular License, Commercial License, etc.)  To see a list of driving The Law law requirement by state: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Epilepsy_and_driving

US List of Driving Regulations by State

 

STATE REQUIRED PERIOD OF SEIZURE FREEDOM REQUIREMENTS FOR REINSTATEMENT REQUIRED UPDATES FOLLOWING REINSTATEMENT PHYSICIAN REPORTING REQUIRED
ALABAMA 6 months
Some exceptions apply.		 An individual may be required to undergo a medical examination to determine whether they are able to safely operate a motor vehicle. Periodic medical updates may be required by the DMV.
NO
ALASKA 6 months Physician certification of fitness to drive must be submitted. No restricted or probationary licenses are available Semi-annual neurological examinations may be required NO
ARIZONA 3 months
Some exceptions apply.		 Physician certification of fitness to drive must be submitted.
An individual who experiences a seizure must discontinue driving and undergo a medical examination to determine whether they are able to safely operate a motor vehicle.		 Periodic medical updates are required by the DMV. NO
ARKANSAS 12 months Physician certification of fitness to drive must be submitted.
No restricted or probationary licenses are available.		 Periodic medical updates are required by the DMV. NO
CALIFORNIA 3-6 months
Some exceptions apply.		 Physician certification of fitness to drive must be submitted.
Diverse types of probationary periods are established based on episodes or lapses in consciousness and/or confusion.		 Periodic medical updates may be required by the DMV. YES
COLORADO

No fixed period of time

 Physician certification of fitness to drive must be submitted.
Applicant must disclose a physical disability that would cause a lapse of consciousness.		 Periodic medical updates may be required by the DMV. NO
CONNECTICUT No fixed period of time Physician certification of fitness to drive must be submitted.
Licensing determination is made following receipt of required medical forms from the treating physician that is reviewed by the DMV and the Medical Advisory Board.
Periodic medical updates may be required by the DMV.		 NO
DELAWARE No fixed period of time A person with epilepsy must submit a certificate from their physician stating that their epilepsy is under sufficient control to permit them to safely operate a motor vehicle. If not, license restrictions are put in place. Annual reviews are required. Yes
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA 12 months Physician certification of fitness to drive must be submitted.
Following a 5-year seizure free period, applicants are required to sign an affidavit that they have been seizure free and no further reports are then required.
Restricted licenses are available.		 Medical updates ae required annually until seizure free for a full 5 years. NO
FLORIDA 6 months

Physician certification of fitness to drive must be submitted.
The Medical Advisory Board will deny a license following a 6-month period of seizure freedom when factors make it unsafe for the applicant to drive.
Following a 2-year period of seizure freedom, a physician's certificate is no longer required.

 Periodic medical updates may be required by the Medical Advisory Board. NO
GEORGIA 6 months
Some exceptions apply.		 Physician certification of fitness to drive must be submitted.
Those with nocturnal epilepsy may obtain a limited license.		 Periodic medical updates may be required by the Department of Driver Services NO
HAWAII 6 months
Some exceptions apply.		 Physician certification of fitness to drive must be submitted.
All medical information is reviewed by the Medical Advisory Board on a case-by-case basis.		 Periodic medical updates may be required by the DMV. NO
IDAHO No fixed period of time Physician certification of fitness to drive must be submitted.
Licenses are denied due to momentary or prolonged lapses of consciousness or control.		 Periodic medical updates may be required by the DMV. NO
ILLINOIS No fixed period of time Applicant must sign a medical agreement each time the required physician medical report is submitted stating they have agreed to remain under the care of their physician and are compliant. This agreement also gives permission to their physician to report any change in their condition that would impair their ability to safely operate a motor vehicle. Periodic medical updates may be required by the Medical Advisory Board. NO
INDIANA No fixed period of time An individual with epilepsy will not be denied a license if they present a statement from a licensed physician stating that they are taking their antiseizure medication and are free from seizures while taking these medications.
Restricted licenses may be imposed.		 Periodic medical updates may be required by the Medical Advisory Board. NO
IOWA 6 months
Some exceptions apply.		 Physician certification of fitness to drive must be submitted.
An individual will not need to wait the 6-month period if their seizures occur only at night, were the result of a medication change or a pattern of syncope.		 Periodic medical updates are required after 6 months and then at the time of renewal. NO
KANSAS 6 months
Some exceptions apply.		 Physician certification of fitness to drive must be submitted.
A person with a controlled seizure disorder is not considered to have a disability unless the Medical Advisory Board finds that the applicant is likely to be a danger to themselves or to others.		 Periodic medical updates are required each year until seizure free for 3 years. NO
KENTUCKY 90 days

Upon application or renewal, a person with epilepsy must submit a physician's statement certifying that the epilepsy is controlled by medication, give a description of the medications with dosages, and include a personal statement by the physician that they are compliant.
Restricted or probationary licenses are available but seldom used.

 Periodic medical updates are required upon renewal. NO
LOUISIANA 6 months A physician's certificate detailing fitness to drive is required. This is waived upon license renewal, except for commercial licenses. Periodic medical reports may be required by the DMV. NO
MAINE 3 months; possibly longer
Some exceptions apply.

Physician certification of fitness to drive must be submitted.
If seizure free for 3 months and compliant with medication, a license may be issued.
Difficult cases are reviewed by the Medical Advisory Board.

 Periodic medical reports may be required by the DMV. NO
MARYLAND 3 months
Some exceptions apply.		 Medical Advisory Board determines eligibility based on required medical reports by physician.

Periodic medical reports may be required by the DMV.

 NO
MASSACHUTSES 6 months Must submit a detailed physician's report with recommendation that the individual can safely drive. Periodic medical reports may be required by the DMV. NO
MICHIGAN 6 months
Some exceptions apply.
12 months for a chauffer's license

Waiting period may be reduced or eliminated based upon a departmental review of the specific recommendations of a qualified physician or other information received.
Restricted licenses are available.

 Periodic medical reports may be required by the DMV. NO
MINNESOTA

6 months
Some exceptions apply.

Physician certification of fitness to drive must be submitted.
Unless physician requires otherwise, a person seizure free for 4 years must only report every 4 years.

 Depending on circumstances, periodic medical reports may be required by the DMV as often as every 6 months. NO
MISSISSIPPI 12 months Physician certification of fitness to drive must be submitted.
No exceptions to the 12 month waiting period are offered.		 Periodic medical reports may be required by the Medical Advisory Board. NO
MISSOURI Normally requires 6 months Physician certification of fitness to drive must be submitted.
Conditional license usually granted for one year, followed by verification that applicant remains seizure free.		 Periodic medical reports may be required by the DMV. NO
MONTANA No fixed period of time Physician certification of fitness to drive must be submitted.
Applicant must provide a brief description of condition that impairs or may impair ability to operate a motor vehicle safely.
Determination made by DMV with consideration given to physician's opinion.
 None required NO
NEBRASKA No fixed period of time Physician certification of fitness to drive must be submitted.
Applicants are given a thorough examination. DMV decisions are made on a case-by-case basis.		 None required NO
NEVADA

3 months
Some exceptions apply.

 Physician's medical report required for initial application or renewal. Information reviewed and determination made on a case-by-case basis by the DMV. Difficult cases are reviewed by the Medical Advisory Board. Periodic medical reports may be required by the DMV every year for 3 years. YES
NEW HAMPSHIRE 12 months or less Physician certification of fitness to drive must be submitted.
Waiting period may be reduced if physician certifies seizures are not likely to continue.		 None required NO
NEW JERSEY 12 months
Some exceptions apply.		 Licensing determinations are made by the Neurological Disorder Committee and are based on required medical records submitted by the applicant and his/her physician. Medical updates must be submitted every 6 months for the first 2 years and every year thereafter. YES
NEW MEXICO

12 months
Some exceptions apply.

 Licensing determinations are made by the Medical Advisory Board and are based on required medical records submitted by the applicant and his/her physician.
Probationary or restricted licenses are available.
 Periodic medical reports may be required by the Medical Advisory Board. NO
NEW YORK

12 months
Some exceptions apply.

 Physician certification of fitness to drive must be submitted.
Each case is reviewed individually.
Restricted licenses are not available.		 Periodic medical reports may be required by the DMV. NO
NORTH CAROLINA

6-12 months
Some exceptions apply.

Physician certification of fitness to drive must be submitted.
DMV Medical Advisor determines licensing eligibility based on special circumstances and on a case-by-case basis.
Treatment compliance is also considered.

 Periodic medical reports required annually unless DMV determines it is not necessary. NO
NORTH DAKOTA 6 months
Some exceptions apply.		 Applicant and physician must submit a sworn statement that individual has been seizure free for 6 months.
Reduction in waiting period offered after 3 months with special circumstances.
Restricted licenses available.
Periodic medical reports required annually for at least 3 years.		 NO
OHIO No fixed period of time

Physician certification of fitness to drive must be submitted.
Applicant must swear to being seizure free and/or free from any similarly impairing condition.
Falsifying this information could result in criminal prosecution.
Restricted licenses are available.

 Periodic medical reports required every 6 months or yearly until person is seizure free for 5 years. NO
OKLAHOMA 6 months
Some exceptions apply.		 Physician certification of fitness to drive must be submitted.
An incident or portion of time involving altered consciousness and/or loss of body control requires the 6-month waiting period.		 Periodic medical reports required the by the Department of Public Safety. NO
OREGON 3 months
Some exceptions apply.		 Physician certification of fitness to drive must be submitted.
A Certificate of Medical Eligibility is required assuring that any current medical condition does not impair ability to drive.
Medical criteria guidelines outlined for the Driver Medical Certification Program are followed.
 Periodic medical reports may be required the by the DMV. YES
PENNSYLVANIA 6 months
Some exceptions apply.		 The seizure free period may be waived following a review of required information provided by the physician to the Medical Advisory Board. Periodic medical reports may be required the by the Medical Advisory Board. YES
PUERTO RICO No fixed period of time Physician certification of fitness to drive must be submitted.
Restricted licenses are available.		 Periodic medical reports may be required the by the Medical Advisory Board. NO
RHODE ISLAND 18 months or less
Some exceptions apply.		 Physician certification of fitness to drive must be submitted. Periodic medical reports may be required the by the DMV. NO
SOUTH CAROLINA 6 months Physician certification of fitness to drive must be submitted.
Probationary licenses are not available.		 Periodic medical reports are required at 6 months and then annually for 3 years. NO
SOUTH DAKOTA 6-12 months or less
Some exceptions apply.		 Physician certification of fitness to drive must be submitted that includes that the individual's epilepsy is controlled by medication and that the applicant is continuing to take their medication.
Restricted licenses are available.
 Medical reports required every 6 months until seizure free for 1 year. NO
TENNESSEE 6 months Both the Medical Advisory Board and the physician must agree that the individual is safe to drive a motor vehicle. Periodic medical reports may be required the by the Medical Advisory Board. NO
TEXAS 6 months
Some exceptions apply.		 Physician certification of fitness to drive must be submitted that includes information about the patient's compliance with medication, freedom from sleep deprivation and non-use of alcohol.
Restricted or probationary licenses are not available.
 Periodic medical reports may be required the by the Medical Advisory Board. NO
UTAH 3 months
Some exceptions apply.

Physician certification of fitness to drive must be submitted.
Driving restrictions, such as time of day, location, and speed, may be imposed at the recommendation of the treating physician.

 Periodic medical reports may be required the by the Medical Advisory Board. NO
VERMONT No fixed period of time Physician certification of fitness to drive must be submitted.
Must receive medical evaluation from Commissioner.
Restricted licenses are sometimes available.
 Periodic medical reports may be required the by the Medical Advisory Board. NO
VIRGINIA 6 months
Some exceptions apply.		 Physician certification of fitness to drive must be submitted.
Applicant must prove they are free from a medical condition that "will prevent him or her from exercising reasonable and ordinary control over a motor vehicle."
 Periodic medical reports may be required the by the Medical Advisory Board. NO
WASHINGTON 6 months
Some exceptions apply.		 Waiting period may be waived following physical examination and/or physician statement supporting ability to safely operate a motor vehicle. Periodic medical reports may be required the by the Medical Advisory Board. NO
WEST VIRGINIA 12 months
Some exceptions apply.		 Physician certification of fitness to drive must be submitted.
Difficult cases are reviewed by the Medical Advisory Board.
Restricted licenses are available that place limitation son time, day or travel distance.
 Periodic medical reports may be required the by the Medical Advisory Board. NO
WISCONSIN 3 months Physician certification of fitness to drive must be submitted.
No exemptions or restricted licenses are available.		 Periodic medical reports may be required the by the Medical Advisory Board. NO
WYOMING 3 months
Some exceptions apply.		 If a written medical statement from qualified medical professional states that a person experiences a loss, interruption, or lapse of consciousness and/or motor function, a license may be denied or revoked.
Daytime licenses are available for persons with only nocturnal seizures.		 Periodic medical reports may be required the by the Medical Advisory Board. NO

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