Minnesota
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 | Minnesota |
|---|---|
| DMV Appeal of License Denial | Yes |
| Doctors to Report Epilepsy | No |
| Periodic Medical Updates Required After Licensing | As frequently as once every 6 months, depending on the circumstances |
| Seizure-Free Period | 3 months, with doctor's recommendation |
Minnesota Driver Licensing Laws
In order to obtain a license, or have one reinstated, a person with epilepsy must present a doctor's certification that they have been seizure-free for 3 months and a report that indicates: a favorable prognosis for episode free control of the person’s condition, the person is cooperating in treatment of the condition, and that the person is able to exercise proper control over a motor vehicle. MINN. R. 7410.2500(3) (2020). Exceptions may be made if the seizure was due to temporary illness, or occurred under a physician's order to change or withdraw medication, or was the first seizure experienced by the driver within four years. MINN. R. 7410.2500(3)(A)-(C) (2020). An individual must report "an episode of loss of consciousness or voluntary control,” in writing, to the department: at the time of applying for a driver's license, if an applicant has experienced an episode; or within thirty days after the episode, if a driver experiences an episode." MINN. R. 7410.2500(2) (2020).
Reinstatement will require a favorable prognosis by a physician and statement from driver stating date of last loss of consciousness. MINN. R. 7410.2500(4) (2020). A driver who has experienced loss of consciousness shall submit an annual physician’s statement. MINN. R. 7410.2500(5) (2020). If the episode was caused by medication, or was the first episode, the driver must submit a physician’s statement every six months for a year. MINN. R. 7410.2500(5A)-(5B) (2020). If it was the first episode, was caused by a temporary situation, and ended in a favorable prognosis, the driver must submit a physician’s report every six months for a year. Once a driver has been episode-free for four years, he must report once every four years. MINN. R. 7410.2500(5E) (2020). However, more frequent reports may be required based on doctor’s recommendations. MINN. R. 7410.2500(5C)-(5D) (2020). An individual must be seizure free twelve months if they suffer a seizure episode due to alcohol or controlled substance abuse. MINN. R. 7410.2500(3D) (2020).
To appeal a decision to deny or cancel a license, the person must apply in writing for a variance and the person’s physician must provide the Commissioner with a complete medical history related to the condition and with good medical reasons why a variance should be granted. This information is reviewed individually by the members of the Department's Medical Review Board, which recommends action (whether unanimous or divided) to the Commissioner. MINN. R. 7410.3000 (2020). The decision shall be reached within 60 days of requested variance. MINN. R. 7410.3000 (2020). Judicial review is available, and the petition for a hearing must be filled within 180 days of the revocation effective date or before expiration of the withdrawal period, whichever is first. MINN. STAT. ANN. § 171.19 (2020).
Commercial Driving
The standards for obtaining a truck license to drive intrastate are the same as those for obtaining a personal vehicle license. If the job requires a cab card, physical requirements may be more stringent. A commissioner shall not approve an applicant seeking a waiver for failure to meet the physical requirements of the Code of Federal Regulations, relating to epilepsy. MINN. R. 7414.1460 (2020).
Minnesota Identification Card
An individual may obtain an identification card at any driver's license renewal office for $13.50 (an enhanced Minnesota identification card is available for $28.50). MINN. STAT. § 171.06(a)-(b) (2020).
Minnesota Reporting
Minnesota does not mandate physicians reporting patients with epilepsy to a central state agency. MINN. STAT. § 171.131 (2020). However, physicians who voluntarily report in good faith and with due care, are immune from civil or criminal liability. MINN. STAT. § 171.131 (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.