Driving and HD
Part 2

What does the law have to say about HD and driving?

To date, there is no uniform, national law concerning driving with HD or other neurodegenerative disease. Various states have different laws and practices addressing the issue. Across the nation though, studies have shown that the majority of patients stop driving voluntarily, rather than because of observance with the law.

Currently, nine states (California, Delaware, Georgia, Nevada, New Jersey, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Utah, and West Virginia) have laws requiring that doctors identify to a local health office their patients at least 14 years of age or older with “high risk" diseases that could compromise their driving ability. HD, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy, dementia, seizure disorders, narcolepsy and other similar conditions are all candidates for reporting. Since they are required by law, physicians are exempt from criminal and civil liability for reporting on patients but in fact, actual reports are rare.

If a patient is reported as having a compromising condition, then he or she must fill out a medical evaluation form in addition to being tested by the DMV. Based on the results, the DMV will then take no action if no problem has been found, or they may decide to issue a restricted/limited license or suspend/revoke the license if the driver is found to be unsafe. If a license is revoked, then only after a set period of time could a person come back, re-test and re-apply for a new driver’s license. If action is taken against a patient’s driver’s license, then he or she has 10 days in which to request a hearing after being contacted by the DMV in order to appeal the decision. Otherwise, the right to a hearing is forfeited.

To find out information for your particular state and its policy on driving with a medical condition, call or visit the web site of your local Department of Motor Vehicles.

Last Modified: 04/12/2007

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