Rhode Island
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 | Rhode Island |
|---|---|
| DMV Appeal of License Denial | Yes |
| Doctors to Report Epilepsy | No |
| Periodic Medical Updates Required After Licensing | At discretion of DMV |
| Seizure-Free Period | 18 months; less at discretion of DMV |
Rhode Island Driver Licensing Laws
In order to obtain a license, a person with epilepsy must submit a doctor's certification that they are able to drive safely. Although the driver's licensing statute does not specify a required seizure-free period, the Department of Transportation reports that in most cases it uses an 18-month seizure-free period. The medical information submitted is reviewed by the Administrator for the Division of Motor Vehicles, who may consult with the Medical Advisory Board. 31 R.I. GEN. LAWS §§ 10-3(a)(7)-(8), 10-44 (2020). The division of motor vehicles, with good cause, may impose restrictions on a person’s driving ability. 31 R.I. GEN. LAWS § 10-28 (2020). A person whose license has been denied, suspended or revoked for medical reasons may appeal the decision to the sixth division of the district court. The appeal must be filed within ten days of the decision. 31 R.I. GEN. LAWS § 11-15 (2020).
Commercial Driving
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. 31 R.I. GEN. LAWS § 10-30 (2020). A clerk at the Motor Vehicles Division has discretionary authority to deny a commercial driver’s license to anyone whom they have reason to believe is incompetent or unfit to operate a commercial motor vehicle safely. The clerk must specify in writing a factual basis for the denial, specifically relating to events in which the applicant was driving a motor vehicle, and must identify the source of the information which led to the denial. 47-1 R.I. ADMIN. CODE R. § 33:5 (2020).
Rhode Island Identification Card
Any person may obtain an identification card through the Division of Motor Vehicles for a fee of $27.50. A person must present valid documents to prove identity and residency in Rhode Island.
Rhode Island Reporting
Any physician who diagnoses a physical or mental condition which, in their judgment, will significantly impair the person's ability to safely operate a motor vehicle may voluntarily report the person's name and other information relevant to the condition to the Medical Advisory Board within the Registry of Motor Vehicles. 31 R.I. GEN. LAWS § 10-44(d). Any physician reporting in good faith and exercising due care shall have immunity from any liability, civil or criminal, that otherwise might result by reason of the report made. 31 R.I. GEN. LAWS § 10-44(e).
© 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.