Lost conciousness? The DMV may Come For Your License

In California, the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is responsible for ensuring that all drivers on the road are physically and mentally capable of safely operating a vehicle. As part of this responsibility, the DMV can suspend or revoke a driver’s license for medical reasons if it is determined that a medical condition impairs a person's ability to drive safely. The process for determining whether a suspension or revocation is necessary involves an evaluation of the driver’s medical history, current health status, and the potential risks posed to the public and the individual.

Below are the key factors the DMV considers when deciding whether to suspend a driver’s license due to medical reasons.

1. Severity of the Medical ConditionOne of the most significant factors in the DMV’s decision-making process is the severity of the driver’s medical condition. The DMV evaluates whether the condition is serious enough to impair the driver's ability to operate a vehicle safely. The medical conditions that may lead to license suspension or revocation include, but are not limited to:

• Epilepsy or Seizure Disorders: If a driver has experienced a seizure or is diagnosed with epilepsy, the DMV typically requires medical documentation to confirm that the driver has been seizure-free for a specified period (usually 3-6 months) before allowing them to drive again. Seizures or loss of consciousness while driving can be highly dangerous, making this a critical factor in the DMV's evaluation.
• Neurological Disorders: Conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, or dementia can affect a person’s motor skills, cognitive function, and reaction times. If these conditions are severe or progressing, the DMV may suspend or limit the driver’s ability to operate a vehicle.
• Heart Conditions: Heart disease, arrhythmia, and other serious cardiovascular issues can lead to fainting, dizziness, or sudden incapacitation while driving. Drivers with a history of heart attacks, fainting spells, or other serious heart conditions are often required to submit medical evaluations and may face suspension if their condition is deemed unstable.
• Vision Impairments: Poor vision, whether from cataracts, glaucoma, or other issues, can severely impact a driver’s ability to see clearly and react to road hazards. The DMV evaluates whether the individual meets the minimum vision standards required for safe driving. If vision is impaired and cannot be corrected adequately (e.g., through glasses or surgery), the DMV may suspend the driver’s license.
• Cognitive and Psychiatric Disorders: Conditions like Alzheimer’s disease, severe depression, schizophrenia, or other psychiatric disorders that impair cognitive functions or decision-making abilities are also scrutinized. Drivers who cannot demonstrate that they can drive safely due to memory loss, confusion, or poor judgment may face a suspension.

2. Frequency and Nature of Medical EpisodesThe DMV also considers the frequency and nature of any medical episodes related to the driver’s condition. For example, if a driver has experienced multiple seizures, blackouts, or fainting spells in a short period, this increases the likelihood of suspension. The DMV looks at whether these episodes occur frequently or unpredictably, as a driver’s ability to control a vehicle during such episodes is highly compromised.

Drivers with conditions that have a history of sudden, uncontrolled symptoms are often subject to stricter scrutiny. In these cases, medical documentation must clearly show that the individual has been stable for a specific period (usually 3-6 months) and is not likely to experience an episode while driving.

3. Doctor’s Recommendations and Medical EvaluationsWhen a medical condition is reported to the DMV (either through a third-party report, self-reporting, or physician notification), the DMV typically requires a thorough medical evaluation to assess whether the driver can safely operate a vehicle. This may involve submitting a Medical Examination Report (Form DS 326 or 327), completed by the driver’s treating physician. The physician's recommendations play a key role in the DMV's decision-making process. If a doctor advises that the driver should not be driving due to the risks associated with their medical condition, the DMV is likely to act on this recommendation.

Additionally, the DMV may require that the driver provide ongoing medical documentation to ensure their condition is being effectively managed. This could include regular reports from specialists or follow-up assessments.

4. Driver's Compliance with TreatmentIn some cases, the DMV will look at the driver’s adherence to prescribed treatments or medications. For instance, a driver who has epilepsy and is not taking anticonvulsant medications as prescribed may be deemed at higher risk for a seizure while driving. The DMV will assess whether the driver is complying with medical advice and following the treatment regimen recommended by their healthcare provider. If the driver is not following treatment or fails to provide evidence of effective management of their condition, this can lead to a suspension.

5. Impact on Driving AbilityThe DMV also considers how a medical condition affects the individual’s ability to perform essential driving tasks. These tasks include maintaining control of the vehicle, reacting to road hazards in a timely manner, perceiving road conditions, and exercising good judgment. For example, if a driver experiences significant difficulty with coordination due to neurological or musculoskeletal conditions, this may impair their ability to steer, brake, or accelerate effectively. If a medical condition is likely to impair a driver’s motor skills or cognitive functions, the DMV may suspend the license.

6. Reports from Third PartiesIn some cases, family members, law enforcement, or other individuals may report concerns about a driver’s fitness to drive due to a medical condition. If these reports indicate that a driver’s health is causing dangerous driving behavior, the DMV may initiate a medical review process. Third-party reports are taken seriously, especially when they involve public safety concerns, such as unsafe driving observed by law enforcement.
​
7. Medical Re-Evaluation and HearingIf the DMV decides that a driver’s medical condition may pose a risk to road safety, the driver may be required to undergo a medical re-evaluation hearing. This allows the driver to present medical evidence and argue their case for keeping their license. At the hearing, the DMV reviews the medical documentation and evaluates whether any restrictions, such as driving only during the day or with corrective devices (e.g., glasses), might allow the individual to drive safely.

In short, the California DMV uses a comprehensive set of factors to determine whether a driver’s medical condition warrants a suspension of their license. These factors include the severity and nature of the condition, the frequency of medical episodes, compliance with treatment, the impact on the driver’s ability to operate a vehicle, and third-party reports. The DMV’s goal is to ensure that all drivers are medically fit to operate vehicles safely, and the process involves both medical evaluations and the opportunity for the driver to present their case if a suspension is considered.

​If your license has been suspended because of a medical issue, contact Devina ASAP to discuss your options.