Oklahoma
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.
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| Law | Oklahoma |
|---|---|
| DMV Appeal of License Denial | Yes |
| Doctors to Report Epilepsy | No |
| Periodic Medical Updates Required After Licensing | At discretion of Department of Public Safety |
| Seizure-Free Period | 6 months with exceptions |
Oklahoma Driver Licensing Laws
Oklahoma requires individuals to be episode-free for six months and submit a favorable recommendation for driving from their physician to qualify for a license. OKLA. ADMIN. CODE § 595:10-5-9(b)(1)(A) (2020). A person may be exempted from this requirement if: (I) the episode was due to a doctor-directed medication change, (II) the medical examination shows episodes have been controlled, and (III) the treating physician gives a favorable recommendation for driving; or (I) the physician indicates the episode was an isolated occurrence, (II) the medical exam shows that another episode is unlikely, and (III) the treating physician gives a favorable recommendation; or the person has nocturnal seizures. OKLA. ADMIN. CODE § 595:10-5-9(b)(1)(B) (2020).
The Department may restrict a person's license based on the recommendations of the physician conducting the medical exam or the Medical Advisory Committee, if the minimum standards are met. OKLA. ADMIN. CODE § 595:10-5-9(b)(1)(C) (2020). There is a right to appeal for any person whose driving privileges were denied. The petition to appeal must be filed within thirty days after receiving notice from the BMV. OKLA. STAT. ANN. tit. 47, § 6-211(A),(E) (2020).
Commercial Driving
A person will not be issued an intrastate commercial driver license unless they have been currently episode-free for a five year period, has a normal examination, and has a normal electroencephalogram. OKLA. ADMIN. CODE § 595:10-5-9 (b)(2)(A) (2020). However, a person may be considered for an intrastate license if the licensee submits proof from the licensee's treating physician that they have been free from lapses of consciousness, seizures, or epileptic episodes for two years, and off all anti-convulsant medication for two years. OKLA. ADMIN. CODE § 595:10-5-9 (b)(4) (2020).
Oklahoma Identification Card
Anyone can obtain a Real ID compliant identification card by application for a $25.00 fee. OKLA. STAT. ANN. tit. 47, § 6-106(E) (2020). If an individual is under the age of eighteen, the application must be signed by parent or legal guardian.
Oklahoma Reporting
There is no statutory provision requiring physicians to report patients who have been treated for or diagnosed as having epilepsy to a central state agency. Any person or physician who reports a person with any disability that may impair driving has immunity from civil liability and immunity in any judicial proceeding that might otherwise be incurred. OKLA. STAT. ANN. tit. 47, § 6-207 (2020).
© 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.