State Regulation of Drivers with Diabetes

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Choose a state to view detailed information about the rules for licensing of drivers with diabetes. This information relates only to private drivers, driving noncommercial vehicles. Licensing for commercial driving is governed by different rules. For additional information on commercial driving, visit our online section on Commercial Drivers and Diabetes Discrimination.

While the Association has made every effort to provide accurate information, it cannot guarantee that this information is accurate or that the laws and polices have not changed since this information was gathered beginning in early 2004. Also, please be aware that this information is not legal advice, and cannot substitute for the advice of a competent attorney who understands the law in your state.

Select your state

 

Things to Remember  

• These pages focus on driving rules and policies that relate to altered consciousness and other possible effects of very low or very high blood glucose levels (hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia). Long term complications of diabetes can cause other medical problems. For example, retinopathy and neuropathy can both affect driving ability in some cases. These medical conditions may be addressed by different medical rules or guidelines, such as vision standards. Contact the licensing agency in your state for information on these regulations.

• Applicants should be careful when responding to questions on license applications about medical conditions. Nearly all states ask such questions. Many do not ask specifically about diabetes but ask more generally about conditions that may cause episodes of loss of consciousness or may impair driving ability. Pay particular attention to the wording of such questions to decide whether to answer yes or no.

• These pages discuss the procedures for medical evaluations that occur when a state becomes concerned about an individual’s ability to drive safely. Drivers may in some cases have to fulfill other non-medical requirements, such as passing skills or knowledge tests, in order to obtain or keep a license.

For More Information

We have provided a link to the licensing agency in each state for your convenience to get additional information. Contact the licensing agency if you have further questions about your state’s rules or policies on driver licensing.

The American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration published a report titled “Summary of Medical Advisory Board Practices in the United States” in June of 2003. This document includes a section on each state with extensive information about the state’s medical review program, including procedures and medical guidelines.

If you feel that you have faced discrimination because of diabetes and would like assistance from the Association, or if you have additional or conflicting information about your state’s laws and regulations, please call 1-800-DIABETES.

Sources

The information on these pages come from surveys sent to the agency responsible for driver licensing in each state, from state laws and regulations, and from a report on driver licensing and medical conditions prepared for the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.