Driving
Driving Safely with Epilepsy
Every state restricts or puts limits on driving for people with seizures, and required “seizure-free periods” can vary from state to state. Individual circumstances and a doctor's recommendation may also contribute to driving restrictions.
The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), not the doctor, makes the decision on driving in most states. Make sure you fill out forms from the DMV fully and honestly. People with epilepsy also have a legal obligation to report seizures to the DMV or indicate that they have epilepsy when applying or renewing a license.
Do not drive if you are having seizures or side effects that affect your ability to be safe on the road. Consult your doctor to discuss any concerns you may have.
Driving Restrictions
Those at risk of seizures should carefully observe their state’s restrictions on driving with epilepsy, and know exactly how long they must be seizure-free in order to safely and legally get on the road.
Maine
- Seizure free period: As little as 3 months and as long as 2 years – dependent on medical prognosis
- Periodic medical updates required after licensing: Every 2 or 4 years at the discretion of Maine BMV
- MD required to report epilepsy: NO
- DMV Appeal of License Denial: Within 10 days
Massachusetts
- Seizure free period: 6 months with exceptions
- Periodic medical updates required after licensing: At the discretion of RMV
- MD required to report epilepsy: NO
- DMV Appeal of License Denial: Within 14 days
New Hampshire
- Seizure free period: 1 year or less at the discretion of DMV
- Periodic medical updates required after licensing: NO
- MD required to report epilepsy: NO
- DMV Appeal of License Denial: Within 15 days
Rhode Island
- Seizure free period: 18 months or less at the discretion of DMV
- Periodic medical updates required after licensing: At the discretion of DMV
- MD required to report epilepsy: NO
- DMV Appeal of License Denial: Within 10 days
Looking For Help?
The Epilepsy Foundation New England is here to serve and assist the epilepsy community. We partner with the Epilepsy Foundation of America to provide access to information, resources, and support for our constituents.