Medical Restricted License/Medical Suspension

Section 4507.08

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Cause: There are various reasons for being placed under a medical suspension.  No temporary instruction permit or driver license shall be issued to, or retained by any person who, in the opinion of the registrar, is afflicted with or suffering from a physical or mental disability or disease that prevents him/her from exercising reasonable and ordinary control over a motor vehicle while operating the vehicle upon the highways.

Length of Suspension: Depends upon the length of time that periodic medical statements are required from a physician. It may be every 6 months, 1 year or upon renewal of the driver license. If you are required to take a driver license examination, it depends upon the results of the examination. See failure of driver license examination.

Appeal Procedures: May request an administrative hearing by writing to the BMV within 30 days of the date of the suspension notice.

Reinstatement Requirements: Periodic medical statements must be submitted when due.

Removal of a Medical Restriction: BMV guidelines allow for consideration to be given to removing a medical restriction when:

1. We receive a medical statement indicating the condition has been continuously controlled for 5 or more years with medication.

2. Medication has been discontinued for 1 year with no problems.

• Note: If the doctor checks the box on the medical form indicating "yes" to driving "only if periodic medical statements are required" the restriction will remain regardless of the length of time they have been controlled.

• If periodic testing has been required, this restriction is not removed after 5 years of control. Periodic testing is required because the condition is of a progressive nature which could affect the person's strength, dexterity, or ability to control a vehicle.

3. If an individual claims that the restriction is not necessary, their doctor may send a letter stating that in his/her professional opinion the condition would never affect the person's ability to safely operate a vehicle with standard equipment and that periodic medical statements and/or periodic testing is not necessary.

Vision Restriction Removal:

If an individual wishes to have a vision restriction removed and the license will be expiring within 90 days.

An individual may go into a Deputy Registrar to renew his/her license. Any changes in the vision restriction can be made by the Deputy Registrar after the vision requirement examination has been given. See Vision Examination.

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