ALABAMA

Decided by medical advisory board. Periodic updates from physician may be required. 

Adopted the federal DOT’s criteria for licensing commercial truck drivers.  No waivers for epilepsy are granted. May not be licensed to drive taxis or school buses.

No

6 months, with exceptions

ALASKA

Periodic medical updates required after licensing.

Adopted the federal DOT’s criteria for licensing commercial truck drivers. 

No

6 months

ARIZONA

Driving permitted if seizure is the result of a medication change, is believed by physician to be an isolated incident, is predictable to patient by an aura, or occurs during sleep only.

Adopted the federal DOT’s criteria for licensing commercial truck drivers. 

No

3 months, with exceptions

ARKANSAS

No exceptions are granted.

Adopted the federal DOT’s medical standards for licensing individuals to drive commercial vehicles. Not qualified to drive a school bus. 

No

1 year

CALIFORNIA

Action taken against those who experience lapses of consciousness or confusion. After 3 months, reinstated under probation, and after 6 months, if no incidents occur, probation is lifted.

Adopted the federal DOT’s medical standards for licensing individuals to drive commercial vehicles.

Yes

3 or 6 months, with exceptions

COLORADO

Anyone with a medical condition causing a lapse of consciousness must submit a physician statement certifying one's ability to drive.

Medical waiver needed before being licensed to drive commercial vehicles if individual has a disqualifying medical condition. May be considered for a license to drive a taxi, bus or school bus if provides a physician's certification regarding treatment and recommendation requiring a degree of certainty that the condition is controlled well enough to drive safely.

No

No fixed amount of time

CONNECTICUT

All applicants for driver's licenses or renewals are required to state any conditions they may have. If any involve a lapse of consciousness, physician statement is required.

Person who operates a commercial vehicle and who must hold a CDL is subject to both CT and federal DOT health standards. CT has specific medical standards for operating a school bus, student transportation vehicle, vanpool vehicle, or a bus, or a public service vehicle, or a service bus. No person shall be issued a license for the operation of a public service motor vehicle or service bus, if that person has an established medical history or clinical diagnosis of epilepsy or any other condition which is likely to cause loss of consciousness or any loss of ability to control a motor vehicle.

No

No fixed amount of time

DELAWARE

License restrictions are accordingly placed following report of seizures to DMV. Reviews are made annually thereafter.

Adopted the medical standards of the federal DOT’s for granting commercial drivers licenses.  May apply for an intrastate waiver. Persons with epilepsy may not be licensed to drive passenger carrying vehicles such as taxis, buses or school buses.

Yes

For LOC

No fixed amount of time

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Applicants are required to submit a physician certificate stating they have been seizure free for at least one year for the first 5 years of being seizure-free. Following the 5-year period, applicants are required to sign an affidavit that they have been seizure-free. Driving is permitted within a year of a seizure if seizures are nocturnal, or if they are an isolated incident.

Adopted the federal DOT’s medical standards for licensing individuals to drive commercial vehicles intrastate. Persons with epilepsy are not licensed to drive commercial vehicles. There is no provision for granting waivers. No person shall be considered for a license to operate taxicabs or other public vehicles for hire if at the time the application is filed the person has epilepsy.

No

12 months, with exceptions

FLORIDA

Those who are seizure-free for 2 years or longer do not need a physician certificate.

Adopted the federal DOT’s medical standards for licensing individuals to drive commercial vehicles intrastate. There is no waiver provision. Must meet the personal license requirements to obtain a license to drive a taxi. Not eligible to be school bus drivers or drive buses designed to seat more than 15 persons, including the driver, because they do not meet the federal DOT's medical criteria to hold a CDL.

No

6 months, with doctor’s recommendations

GEORGIA

Those with nocturnal epilepsy are offered licenses restricted to daylight hours, even if they are actively having seizures.

Adopted the federal DOT’s medical criteria for vehicles weighing more than 26,000, and will not grant waivers from these requirements unless such type of waiver has previously been granted by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. Vehicles carrying 16 or more persons, including the driver, are considered commercial vehicles.

No

6 months

HAWAII

Exceptions are considered on a case-by-case basis.

Adopted the federal regulations regarding licensing persons with epilepsy to drive trucks and school buses. Waivers are not available. People with epilepsy may be licensed to drive taxis.

No

6 months with exceptions

IDAHO

Licenses are denied to those who, at the discretion of a physician, cannot safely operate a motor vehicle due to a medical condition causing lapses in consciousness, and can be reinstated when, at the physician's discretion, the lapses in consciousness due not impede the patient's ability to safely operate a motor vehicle.

The standards for obtaining a license to drive a truck in intrastate commerce for exempt commodities (sand, gravel, logs, agricultural products, etc.) are the same as those for a personal vehicle license. For other types of commodities, Idaho has adopted the Federal DOT standards. Persons with epilepsy may not drive buses or school buses, but may drive taxis.

No

No fixed amount of time

ILLINOIS

All applicants are asked to answer a series of questions pertaining to their health. If any have a "yes" answer, a physician must certify that it is safe for the applicant to drive. The applicant must follow the physician's instructions from then on.

Adopted the federal regulations with regard to licensing drivers to participate in intrastate trucking. Persons with epilepsy are ineligible to obtain a waiver and will not be licensed to drive vehicles or buses carrying 16 or more people, nor be licensed to drive school buses.

No

No fixed amount of time

INDIANA

Physician must certify person is seizure-free while medicated. Decision at discretion of Medical Review Board.

Adopted the federal DOT’s medical standards for licensing individuals to drive commercial vehicles interstate. CDL applicants for intrastate operation must pass a physical examination as provided by the Bureau. Persons with epilepsy may be licensed to drive taxis, buses or school buses if they have met the same criteria as for a personal vehicle license. School bus drivers are required to be free from any "mental, nervous, organic or functional disease which might impair their ability to properly operate a school bus."

No

No fixed amount of time

IOWA

Must submit an evaluation from a physician every 6 months following 6 month loss of license. Exceptions include seizures occurring only at night or as a result of a failed medication.

Adopted the federal DOT’s medical standards for licensing individuals to drive commercial motor vehicles intrastate for vehicles exceeding 26,000 lbs GVWR, vehicles with a passenger design of sixteen or more including the driver, and vehicles used to transport hazardous materials requiring a placard. Persons with epilepsy are not eligible to drive school buses.

No

6 months, with exceptions

KANSAS

Anyone considered to be a danger to themselves or others behind the wheel may have their license denied.  Exceptions include seizures occurring only at night or as a result of a failed medication.

The Driver Review procedures for licensing persons to drive trucks in intrastate commerce are the same as for personal vehicles. Persons driving in interstate commerce must also meet Federal regulations or obtain appropriate waivers.

No

6 months, with exceptions

KENTUCKY

Must submit statement that is seizure free and continuing medication.

Adopted the federal DOT’s medical criteria for licensing individuals to drive commercial vehicles intrastate. May apply for a waiver if seizure-free one year, is reliable in taking prescribed medications and has a clear driving record for the past 2 years. Individuals who meet the eligibility requirement for an intrastate CDL are also eligible to drive taxis and buses. School bus drivers must undergo a medical exam annually, or even more frequently at the discretion and expense of the district.

No

90 days

LOUISIANA

Applicants for a new license with any disability must provide a physician certificate detailing their fitness to drive. This report is waived for renewals, except for CDL’s.

Adopted the federal regulations regarding licensing persons to drive trucks within the state. Waivers are not available. Persons with epilepsy may not be eligible for intrastate commercial licenses. May be able to obtain a chauffeur's license.

No

6 months, with doctor’s statement

MAINE

One who has a breakthrough seizure due to a medication issue may have seizure free requirement waived.

Maine follows the federal regulations with regard to the licensing of truck drivers who are carrying hazardous materials or driving distances greater than 100 miles. A School Bus Endorsement is necessary for an individual to drive a school bus carrying 10 or more passengers. This requires a doctor's certification that the person presents no risk. If the same individual has a seizure-related accident, the doctor may be held liable for any result.

No

3 months or longer

MARYLAND

People with seizures are required to report their condition to MVA. Renewal determined by medical advisory board.

Maryland has not adopted the federal DOT’s medical standards for purposes of licensing individuals to drive commercial vehicles intrastate. Persons with established medical history or clinical diagnosis of epilepsy or any other condition likely to cause loss of consciousness may not drive a commercial motor vehicle in interstate commerce. If a person with a commercial intrastate license has a loss of consciousness or seizure, his license is suspended for 90 days. After 90 days, the individual is eligible to be issued a downgraded non-commercial license only for 9 months. If the individual requests a license other than the downgraded non-commercial license, the Administration may test, restrict and/or designate the class and/or endorsements of the licensee. If seizure-free during the 9-month period,  may reapply for an intrastate commercial license. Persons with epilepsy are disqualified from driving school buses.

No

3 months, with exceptions

MASSACHUSETTS

Must submit a detailed physician's report and recommendation that he/she may drive safely.

Adopted the federal DOT’s medical standards for licensing individuals to drive commercial motor vehicles intrastate. Driver must carry a valid medical certificate. An individual who has a current diagnosis of epilepsy is not eligible to receive a certificate or license to operate a school bus. A person without a current epilepsy diagnosis is eligible, but may be subject to review by the Medical Board.

No

6 months

MICHIGAN

Must submit a report from physician and be seizure-free for 6 months (12 months for a chauffer's license).

Person with epilepsy may be licensed to drive commercial vehicles, including trucks, buses, or taxis, intrastate if they have been seizure-free for one year. The Department may reduce or eliminate the 12-month period based upon a departmental review of the specific recommendation of a qualified physician or other information. May not drive a school bus.  

No

6 months, with exceptions

MINNESOTA

Exceptions if the seizure was due to temporary illness, occurred under a physician's order to change or withdraw medication, or was the first seizure experienced by the driver. 

The standards for obtaining a truck license to drive intrastate are the same as those for obtaining a personal vehicle license. If the job requires a cab card, physical requirements may be more stringent. In order to drive a school bus, a person with epilepsy must be seizure-free for 5 years and off medication for 2 years.

No

6 months, with exceptions

MISSISSIPPI

There are no exceptions to the seizure free period.

An individual who has been seizure-free for 12 months may be issued a CDL for driving within Mississippi. Individuals meeting the seizure-free criteria may drive vehicles transporting passengers.

No

12 months

MISSOURI

Each case is decided on a case-by-case basis.

Adopted the federal DOT licensing regulations with regard to driving commercial vehicles within the state.

No

6 months, with doctor recommendations

MONTANA

Applicant must state how condition affects his/her ability to drive safely. At discretion of DMV.

To obtain a license to drive trucks intrastate, must have had no episode or loss of consciousness or control within the preceding 5 years as certified by his physician. To drive a commercial bus, must be seizure-free for 5 years. To drive a non-commercial bus, must be seizure-free 6 months. May request an administrative hearing. May appeal to the district court in the county in which the petitioner resides, but must be made within 30 days of the denial or suspension.

No

No fixed amount of time; Doctor recommendations

NEBRASKA

Applicants with any medical condition are given a medical examination. DMV makes decisions on a case-by-case basis.

The CDL applicant must meet the federal commercial driver licensing regulations and present with the application. Must meet the federal DOT medical requirements to drive school buses. May be granted a waiver for intrastate commercial licenses.

No

No fixed amount of time

NEVADA

Those with epilepsy are required to submit an annual medical report. After a 3 year seizure-free period, these reports are no longer required.

Adopted the federal regulations governing the licensing of truck drivers. May be licensed to drive passenger-carrying vehicles such as taxis, buses or school buses if obtain a federally approved waiver or  has been seizure-free for 3 years.

Yes

3 months, with exceptions

NEW HAMPSHIRE

Seizure free period may be reduced if applicant can submit a physician certificate stating seizures will not likely continue to occur.

Adopted the federal DOT medical criteria for issuing commercial drivers licenses.

No

12 months, less at discretion of DMV

NEW JERSEY

Seizure free period may only be reduced if the Neurological Disorder Committee determines it is safe. A medical update must be submitted every 6 months for the first 2 years, and annually thereafter.

Adopted the requirements of the U.S. DOT regarding the licensing of persons with epilepsy to drive both trucks and buses intrastate.

Yes

12 months

NEW MEXICO

Epilepsy is not specifically mentioned in state law as a reason for denying licenses.

Adopted the federal DOT's standards for licensing individuals to drive intrastate. May apply for a waiver. Must show he/she has been seizure-free for 1 year and experiences no side effects from medication. The waiver is valid for 1 year and restricts the driver to intrastate driving only. Individuals may be licensed to drive passenger carrying vehicles if they meet the intrastate commercial driving requirements.

No

12 months, less if recommended by Medical Advisory Board

NEW YORK

Exceptions are made when a physician determines that seizures were caused by medication experimentation or were temporary.

Must certify compliance with federal DOT’s medical standards for licensing.  Must have a valid medical examiners certificate. Only those applicants who had obtained their CDL prior to September 9, 1999 and who had a restriction for intrastate commerce only, who had not dropped down in commercial class or had their commercial privileges revoked, are able to retain the restriction without the medical examiner’s certificate. Persons with diagnosed seizure disorders or any condition which is likely to cause loss of consciousness or any loss of ability to control a bus are disqualified from driving a bus.

No

12 months, with exceptions

NORTH CAROLINA

Exceptions include seizure due to physician directed medication change, nocturnal seizures, or when seizures can be predicted by an aura that lasts at least 2-3 minutes.

Adopted the federal DOT’s medical standards for intrastate licensing. May apply for a waiver. May be licensed to drive passenger carrying vehicles such as taxis. Restricted from driving buses or school buses.

No

6-12 months, with exceptions

NORTH DAKOTA

Applicant must submit a sworn statement that they have not had a seizure in 6 months. This may be reduced to 3 months if physician believes seizures have been adequately controlled. After 3 years with no seizures and off medication, no statement is required.

Adopted the federal DOT’s criteria for intrastate licensing.  If an individual was diagnosed with epilepsy before March 26, 1991 and held a valid commercial drivers license at that time, the individual may continue to be licensed to drive commercial vehicles. Bus and school bus drivers must meet the commercial driver license requirements.

No

6 months, restricted license available after 3 months

OHIO

Applicants must state under oath whether or not they have had any seizure activity or similarly impairing conditions. Giving false information results in criminal prosecution. Those who have had any seizures within the past 5 years must submit a certificate from a physician stating that it is safe for them to drive, and this must be updated every 6 months until the driver has been seizure-free for 5 years.

Adopted the federal DOT’s medical criteria for licensing individuals to drive commercial vehicles intrastate. To be eligible for a license to drive a transit bus or taxi, a person must meet the same medical criteria as for a personal vehicle license. Cannot be licensed to operate a school bus if have an established medical history or clinical diagnosis of epilepsy or any other condition which is likely to cause loss of consciousness or any loss of ability to control and safely operate a school bus.

No

No fixed amount of time

OKLAHOMA

Exception if a physician states the seizure was an isolated incident or was the result of a failed medication change. Those with nocturnal seizures may be given a restricted license.

A person will not be issued an intrastate CDL unless they have been episode-free for 5 years, has a normal examination, and a normal EEG. May be considered for an intrastate license if submits proof from treating physician that have been free from lapses of consciousness, seizures, or epileptic episodes for 2 years, and off all antiseizure medication for 2 years.

No

6 months, with exceptions

OREGON

Those who have had a seizure within the past 2 years must be evaluated by a physician regarding their safety to drive.

Adopted the federal regulations regarding the licensing of truck drivers. May apply for a waiver. The same requirements apply to drivers of buses and taxis (school bus drivers have additional requirements set out by the state department of education).

Yes

3 months, with exceptions

PENNSYLVANIA

Exceptions are made for those with nocturnal seizures, an aura prior to their seizures, or those who have a seizure as a result of a temporary medical condition or medication change.

Adopted the federal DOT’s medical criteria for licensing individuals to drive commercial vehicles intrastate. A regularly employed driver who cannot meet the physical qualification requirements relating to physical qualifications of drivers will be considered to be qualified to operate in intrastate commerce if certified by the medical examiner and motor carrier in accordance with the law.

Yes

6 months, with exceptions

PUERTO RICO

Must have a physician certify one is safe to drive.

The standards for obtaining a truck license are the same as those for a personal vehicle license.

No

No fixed amount of time

RHODE ISLAND

Must be certified by a physician as seizure-free. In most cases, the period used by the department is 18 months.

To qualify for a license to drive a truck intrastate, an applicant must have no established medical history or clinical diagnosis of epilepsy or any other condition which is likely to cause loss of consciousness or loss of ability to control a motor vehicle.

No

18 months, less at discretion of DMV

SOUTH CAROLINA

Must have a physician certify that patient is seizure-free for 6 months, then continue to submit reports every 6 months until seizure-free for 3 years.

Adopted the federal requirements regarding the licensing of truck drivers. Persons with epilepsy are not approved for large or passenger-for-hire vehicles carrying more than 16 passengers. Individuals must meet the standards for a personal vehicle license to be eligible to drive a taxi or buses carrying fewer than 16 passengers.

No

6 months

SOUTH DAKOTA

A temporary license, valid for 6 months is issued if physician certifies driving is safe. If patient is seizure-free for 12 months, a permanent license is issued.

Uses the same standards for licensing individuals to drive a truck intrastate as for a personal vehicle license. Must meet the federal DOT's medical criteria for being licensed to drive a school bus.

No

6-12 months, less with doctor recommendations

TENNESSEE

License may be issued to those who are seizure-free for 6 months, and who receive a favorable review from state's medical board.

Adopted the federal DOT’s medical criteria for issuing intrastate commercial drivers' licenses. Persons with epilepsy are ineligible for such licenses, but may obtain a Class F license to drive taxis and buses which carry fewer than 15 passengers if the applicant has been seizure-free for six months and obtains a favorable recommendation from the individual’s doctor and the Medical Review Board. Drivers with a history of epilepsy who are off antiseizure medication and seizure-free for 10 years or more may obtain a waiver from the restrictions on driving commercial motor vehicles and may drive intrastate.

No

6 months, with doctor recommendations

TEXAS

Physician must certify reliable in taking medication, not habitually sleep deprived, and do not abuse alcohol. Following a breakthrough seizure, can drive once situation is controlled.

Adopted the federal DOT’s medical standards for licensing individuals to drive commercial vehicles intrastate. Persons with epilepsy may not obtain a waiver.

No

6 months, with exceptions

UTAH

Must be seizure-free for 3 months, on or off medication. License may have restrictions, such as time of day, location, and speed.

Adopted the medical standards of the federal DOT’s medical standards for granting commercial driver licenses. An intrastate commercial license may be issued to drive commercial vehicles to an individual who has been seizure-free for 6 months.

No

3 months, with exceptions

VERMONT

Must receive medical evaluation from commissioner.

Adopted the federal DOT’s medical standards for licensing intrastate truck drivers. No waivers are available. May be licensed to drive a taxi or other vehicles, which carry fewer than 7 passengers, if the meets the requirements for obtaining a personal license.

No

No fixed amount of time

VIRGINIA

Exceptions are made for those whose seizures are nocturnal, who experience an aura prior to seizure, or whose seizures are the result of a temporary medical condition or medication change.

Adopted the federal DOT’s medical standard for granting commercial drivers licenses. Waivers are not available.

No

6 months, with exceptions

WASHINGTON

If physician wishes to waive the six-month period, an application must be documented and submitted to the DMV, and the information will then be taken under advisement. The department may request that an applicant submit to an examination.

Adopted the federal DOT's medical standards for intrastate commercial driver's licensing. May petition for a waiver. Waivers may be granted to individuals who show they have been seizure-free for 6 months and are under adequate medical treatment and supervision. They must submit annual medical reports.

No

6 months, with exceptions

WEST VIRGINIA

May be granted a restricted license in less than a year with restrictions on the time, day, or distance one may drive.

The standards for obtaining a license to drive a truck or passenger carrying vehicles intrastate are based on the Federal DOT standards for commercial vehicles driven interstate. The driver may be eligible for a waiver from those restrictions if seizure-free for three years.

No

12 months, with exceptions

WISCONSIN

There are no exceptions to the 3 month restriction.   

Wisconsin has not adopted the federal DOT's medical standards for licensing CDL’s. In order to receive a CDL, must show has had only a single, or nonrecurring episode of altered consciousness or loss of bodily control occurring at least 2 years preceding the application, and that the cause of the episode has been identified and requires no treatment, or that a seizure disorder has been diagnosed, but the person has been episode-free for at least 5 years preceding the application for a license. These same requirements apply to drivers of school buses or other passenger carrying vehicles.

No

3 months, with doctor recommendations

WYOMING

Those with nocturnal epilepsy may be granted daytime only licenses.

Adopted the federal DOT’s medical criteria for issuing commercial drivers licenses with some exceptions. If a person provides enough medical information to establish that he or she is controlled, and submits a doctor's recommendation, a person with epilepsy may be licensed to drive commercial vehicles within the state. The same evidence is necessary to receive a license to drive a passenger carrying vehicle.

No

3 months, with exceptions