Utah

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Are applicants for a driver’s license asked questions about diabetes?

Yes. The driver’s license application (first time and renewal) presents a list of conditions (one of which is diabetes) and asks the applicant whether he or she has any of these conditions. Applicants who answer “Yes” to this question must have a medical evaluation form filled out by their physician.

p>What other ways does the state have to find out about people who may not be able to drive safely because of a medical condition?

The state accepts reports of potentially unsafe drivers from: police officers, the courts, physicians, family members, friends, other citizens and hospitals. The licensing agency does not accept anonymous reports, and does not investigate reports before the driver is required to go through the medical evaluation process. Drivers may also be required to have a medical evaluation if they have impairments which are observed by licensing agency personnel during the licensing process, when they contribute to an accident that results in a fatality, or after accumulating a given number of crashes within a certain time period.

What is the process for medical evaluations of drivers?

When the licensing agency learns that a driver has diabetes, it will require the individual to have a medical evaluation. When this happens, an evaluation form is sent to the individual, which must be completed by his or her physician. On the medical evaluation form, the physician must provide a rating of the individual’s functional ability to drive as it is impacted by diabetes (and other medical conditions). Medical evaluation forms are returned to the licensing agency for review and a licensing decision.

Who makes decisions about whether drivers are medically qualified?

Medical forms are evaluated by non-medical licensing agency personnel who make decisions based primarily on information provided by the physician and the physician’s rating of the individual’s functional ability. Depending on the physician’s recommendation, cases may be referred to the state’s independent medical advisory board for a recommendation.

Has the state adopted specific policies about whether people with diabetes are allowed to drive?

Yes. Utah requires that diabetes be controlled with insulin, oral medication, diet or exercise to permit driving. All applicants with diabetes must submit a medical evaluation and regular follow-up evaluations. The frequency of follow-up evaluations is based on the stability and severity of the condition. Individual’s who control their diabetes without insulin, or who use insulin but have had no episodes of ketosis or altered consciousness for one year, must have follow-up medical evaluations every year. Individuals who use insulin and have had episodes of loss of consciousness more than three months ago but less than one year ago must have a follow-up evaluation in six months, and may only drive with their physician’s recommendation. The intervals at which follow up medical evaluations are required may be altered on the recommendation of the individual’s treating physician. Individuals who have severe unstable insulin-dependent diabetes or who have persisting ketosis may not drive. Thestate publishes guidelines meant to assist physicians in making driving recommendations for people with diabetes (and other conditions). These materials emphasize the importance of determining whether the individual experiences hypoglycemic unawareness, and suggest that physicians should be particularly concerned with individuals who have had past episodes of unconsciousness caused by severe hypoglycemia or who have had diabetes for a long time.

What is the state’s policy about episodes of altered consciousness or loss of consciousness that may be due to diabetes?

No specific episode-free time period is required by the state, but the instructions given to doctors filling out medical evaluation forms suggest that individuals who have had an episode within the last three months should not be licensed unless special circumstances are present.

What is the process for appealing a decision of the state regarding a driver’s license?

The individual may within ten days of receiving notice of the action request in writing a review of the division’s action by a panel of the medical advisory board. The panel will review medical reports and the driving record, and provide written findings and conclusions to the licensing agency.

May an individual whose license is suspended or denied because of diabetes receive a probationary or restricted license?

No.

Is an identification card available for non-drivers?

Yes, with proper identification and payment of a fee. If an individual loses his or her license due to a medical condition, he or she may receive an ID card at no charge in exchange for the driver’s license.

Resources

A river licensing in Utah is administered by the state Department of Public Safety.