South Carolina
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 | South Carolina |
|---|---|
| DMV Appeal of License Denial | Yes |
| Doctors to Report Epilepsy | No |
| Periodic Medical Updates Required After Licensing | At 6 months, then annually for 3 years |
| Seizure-Free Period | 6 months |
South Carolina Driver Licensing Laws
If the Department of Motor Vehicles has good cause to believe that a licensee is incompetent for unfit to safely operate a motor vehicle due to physical or mental disabilities, upon written notice of at least ten days, the licensee may be required to undergo additional medical evaluations. S.C. CODE ANN. § 56-1-270 (2020). All medical information is reviewed by the Medical Advisory Board of the Department of Motor Vehicles. S.C. CODE ANN. § 56-1-221 (2020). With the advice of the board, the department then determines whether the person may retain or be issued a license, revoke or be denied a license, or obtain a license with restrictions. S.C. CODE ANN. § 56-1-170 (2020).
To appeal a decision to deny or revoke a license, the person must request a departmental hearing within ten days of the decision. S.C. CODE ANN. § 56-1-370 (2020). A person's license which is revoked or suspended for medical reasons is distinguished in their records from those whose license may be suspended or revoked for driving violations.
Commercial Driving
South Carolina has adopted the federal requirements regarding the licensing of commercial vehicles; any person whose ability to perform their normal duties has been impaired by physical disease must be examined and certified as physically qualified to operate a commercial vehicle.
South Carolina Identification Card
A non-driver may obtain an identification card through the Department of Motor Vehicles by submitting proper identification and paying a $15 fee. The card is valid for eight years. S.C. CODE ANN. § 56-1-3350 (2020).
South Carolina Reporting
There is no statutory provision requiring physicians to report to a central state agency patients who have been treated for or diagnosed as having epilepsy. Members of the board and other medical professionals making examinations are not liable for their opinions or recommendations with regards to licensing. S.C. CODE ANN. § 56-1-221 (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.