Alabama
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 | Alabama |
|---|---|
| DMV Appeal of License Denial | Yes |
| Doctors to Report Epilepsy | No |
| Periodic Medical Updates Required After Licensing | At discretion of Medical Review Board |
| Seizure-Free Period | 6 months, with doctor's statement |
Alabama Driver Licensing Laws
A person with epilepsy may obtain a driver's license if they submit a medical report stating they have been seizure-free for six months. ALA. ADMIN. CODE r. 760-x-20-.10 (2020). The medical information submitted by the applicant is reviewed by the Medical Advisory Board of the Department of Public Safety. ALA. ADMIN. CODE r. 760-x-20-.10 (2020). The Department may require an individual with epilepsy to submit to follow-up examinations and reports by a physician as a condition to licensure. ALA. ADMIN. CODE r. 760-x-20-.16 (2020).
The Department may restrict an individual’s license based on a recommendation by a physician and in any manner deemed necessary for safety purposes. ALA. ADMIN. CODE r. 760-x-20-.15 (2020). If a physician recommends that the person complete a test of driving ability, the driving evaluation must be done in a vehicle representative of the highest licensing classification the person holds or for which they are applying, including commercial vehicle licensing. ALA. ADMIN. CODE r. 760-x-20-.17 (2020).
A person who has had a seizure within the last six months will have their license suspended or denied and is entitled to a hearing with a Public Safety Hearing Officer, if the request is made in writing within 14 days of notice. ALA. ADMIN. CODE r. 760-x-20-.20 (2020). When a license is canceled, suspended, revoked, or denied, the licensee or applicant has the right to a judicial appeal, if requested in writing within thirty days of notice. ALA. CODE § 32-5A-195(q) (2020).
Commercial Driving
Alabama has adopted the federal Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Relations, 49 C.F.R. § 391.43, to determine medical qualifications for licensing commercial truck drivers. ALA. CODE § 32-6-49.2 (2020). According to the state Department of Public Safety, no waivers for epilepsy are granted. Individuals with epilepsy may not be licensed to drive taxis or school buses.
Alabama Identification Card
Alabama Code § 32-6-1(c) provides that the Department of Public Safety shall make an identification card available to any state resident who does not hold a valid state driver's license. The non-driver may apply and obtain an identification card at the Department of Public Safety, Driver License Division. ALA. CODE § 32-6-4(b) (2020). The cost is $20 – the same as for a driver's license – and expires in four years for those less than sixty-two years of age. ALA. CODE § 32-6-4(b) (2020). For those over sixty-two years of age, the non-driver identification is non-expiring. ALA. CODE § 32-6-4(b) (2020). No additional fee is charged for the issuance of an identification card to anyone denied a driver’s license as a result of a physical or mental disability. ALA. CODE § 32-6-4.1 (2020).
Alabama Reporting
There is no statutory provision requiring doctors to report people with epilepsy to a central state agency. A doctor who submits medical reports has civil and criminal immunity for providing reports, records, examinations, opinions, or recommendations to the Director of Public Safety. ALA. CODE § 32-6-45 (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.