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Epilepsy Foundation Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Hampshire & Maine
Rhode Island Driver Licensing Laws
Driver's LicenseIn order to obtain a license, a person with epilepsy must submit a doctor's certification that he or she is able to drive safely. Although the driver's licensing statute does not specify a required seizure-free period, the Department of Transportation reports that in most cases it uses an 18-month seizure-free period. The medical information submitted is reviewed by the Medical Advisory Board of the Division of Motor Vehicles [R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-10-44]. To qualify for a license to drive a truck intrastate, an applicant must have no established medical history or clinical diagnosis of epilepsy or any other condition which is likely to cause loss of consciousness or loss of ability to control a motor vehicle. A person whose license has been denied, suspended or revoked for medical reasons may appeal the decision to the Administrative Adjudication Court. The appeal must be filed within 10 days of the decision. [R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-11-15] Identification CardAny person may obtain an identification card through the Division of Motor Vehicles. ReportingAny physician who diagnoses a physical or mental condition which in the physician's judgment will significantly impair the person's ability to safely operate a motor vehicle may voluntarily report the person's name and other information relevant to the condition to the Medical Advisory Board within the Registry of Motor Vehicles. [R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-10-44(3)(f)]. Any physician reporting in good faith and exercising due care shall have immunity from any liability, civil or criminal, that otherwise might result by reason of his actions pursuant to the section. No cause of action may be brought against any physician for not making a report pursuant to this section [R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-10-44(3)(g)].
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