07.01 Physical Health Problems and Driving Safety Restrictions

In 1979, the Utah State Legislature made provisions for increasing highway safety and at the same time allowing many people with health concerns to drive within appropriate safety limits.

The law states that individuals are personally responsible to be sure they are in reasonably good health when they drive. If a person has a health condition which may affect their ability to safely operate a vehicle, they are responsible to report it to the Driver License Division and are expected to seek competent medical evaluation and advice. Their physicians are responsible to advise them about their health as it relates to driving safety. A physician does not have authority to restrict anyone’s driving, but is responsible to report accurately about a patient’s health status. This report may permit an unlimited license, one with restrictions or, in some cases, a denial of a license for safety reasons.

The Legislature also set up a Driver License Medical Advisory Board to advise physicians and the Driver License Division. The Board emphasizes functional ability to operate a vehicle safely, rather than stressing impairments. It developed a form, “Functional Ability Evaluation Medical Report,” to help physicians advise their patients and simplify reporting.

The “Guidelines” include possible health concerns in the following twelve categories:

A - Diabetes and Metabolic Condition

B - Cardiovascular (Heart)

C - Pulmonary (Lung)

D - Neurological (Nervous System)

E - Epilepsy (Episodic Conditions)

F - Learning Memory

G - Psychiatric or Emotional Condition

H - Alcohol and Other Drugs

I - Vision

J - Musculoskeletal/Chronic Debility

K - Alertness or Sleep Disorders

L - Hearing and Balance

The “Guidelines” are designed to be the least restrictive possible while at the same time maintaining safety on our highways.

Applicants for a driver license will be asked to answer health-related questions. If there is a health concern, they will be given a Functional Ability Evaluation form to take to their health care provider, who will complete a Functional Ability Profile.

The form is then returned to the Driver License Division and, if appropriate, a license to drive will be issued based upon previously determined levels of driving risk. For example, if there is a vision problem and the person cannot read highway signs at a distance, the individual may be considered safe to drive, but at reduced speeds, and a restricted license could then be issued.

If you have a health problem, you should ask your physician about how it might affect your driving. Many medications may cause drowsiness or other difficulties; therefore, a physician may advise against driving until a suitable dosage schedule has been worked out that will not impair driving. Abuse or excessive use of prescription drugs has caused many serious accidents and should be avoided. Individual drivers have the final responsibility for knowing their abilities and for driving safely.

The “Guidelines” require higher standards of fitness for drivers of commercial motor vehicles than for private vehicles, but the principles are the same.

Interstate 15 approaching the Spaghetti Bowl in Salt Lake City, Utah: By Ken Lund, CC-BY-SA-2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

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