Idaho
Driver Information By State
Every state regulates driver's license eligibility of persons with certain medical conditions. The most common requirement for people with epilepsy is that they be seizure free for a specific period of time and submit a physician's evaluation of their ability to drive safely. Another common requirement is the periodic submission of medical reports, in some states for a specified period of time and in others for as long as the person remains licensed.
Select the state you want to find information about, or if you are moving and would like to compare two states' driving laws side by side? Choose the two states below to compare.
| Law | Idaho |
|---|---|
| DMV Appeal of License Denial | Yes |
| Doctors to Report Epilepsy | No |
| Periodic Medical Updates Required After Licensing | At discretion of DMV |
| Seizure-Free Period | No set seizure-free period |
Idaho Driver Licensing Laws
“Any person who in the opinion of the department, based upon recommendation of the person's physician, is afflicted with or subject to any condition which brings about momentary or prolonged lapses of consciousness or control, which is or may become chronic,” shall have their license suspended, revoked, or denied. IDAHO CODE § 49-326(1)(c)(1) (2020). Additionally, a person will be denied a driver’s license or permit until they provide written certification from a physician that the applicant can safely operate a motor vehicle. There is no specific seizure-free period.
Since Idaho does not have a medical board, they rely heavily upon the recommendations of licensed medical specialists. Idaho law does not explicitly immunize a physician who provides medical reports from civil liability for damages arising out of an accident caused by a seizure. There is no provision for a restricted or temporary license for a person whose license has been denied or suspended for medical reasons. IDAHO CODE § 49-326(4) (2020). Idaho Department of Transportation officials can request that a person submit to a medical examination for public safety reasons, based on observations or other evidence. IDAHO CODE § 49-202 (2020).
A person who is denied a license may appeal the decision by requesting an administrative hearing within 20 days of the notice, or within thirty days, if good cause is shown for the 10-day extension. IDAHO CODE § 49-326(4) (2020). If dissatisfied with the hearing, the person has thirty days to file an appeal in District Court. A person whose license has been suspended for medical reasons has the option of going through this procedure or appealing directly to District Court within thirty days. IDAHO CODE § 49-330 (2020).
Commercial Driving
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. IDAHO CODE § 49-315 (2020). Persons with epilepsy may not drive buses or school buses, but may drive taxis.
Idaho Identification Card
A person may obtain an identification card through the Idaho transportation department by providing proof of identity. IDAHO CODE § 49-2442 (2020).
Idaho Reporting
There is no statute requiring physicians to report patients with epilepsy to a central agency.
© 2020 Epilepsy Foundation. All rights reserved. This summary was developed for informational purposes by the Epilepsy Foundation and reflects a review of data available as of August 2020. Information is subject to change. This summary is not a substitute for legal advice. For further information, please consult your state Department of Motor Vehicles.