Living with Diabetes

All states have special licensing rules governing medical conditions that may apply to people with diabetes. Some states apply these rules to all drivers with diabetes, while many others apply them only to those who have actually experienced episodes of altered consciousness due to the disease or have other complications of diabetes. Special licensing rules can include requirements for periodic medical evaluation from a physician and prohibitions on driving for a period of time after an episode of lost consciousness.

Choose your state from the menu below to learn more about the laws and policies that may affect you. This information relates only to private drivers, driving noncommercial vehicles. Licensing for commercial driving is governed by different rules.

Select the state you want to find information about.

While we have made every effort to provide accurate information, we cannot guarantee that this information is accurate or that the laws and policies have not changed since this information was gathered beginning in early 2004. This information is not legal advice and cannot substitute for the advice of a competent attorney who understands the law in your state.

Note: We are in the process of updating this information. Check back soon for new information.

Things to Remember

• This information focuses 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 rules.
  
• 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 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.