California DMV

RE: California DMV

Submitted by lemond on Thu, 2005-01-20 - 19:01

Hi, sorry to hear about your license problem. It really must suck to give up your privledges. I've never had a doc report anything to the DMV, even if they were required to do so by law. They have always said that they expect that I will do what's right and have informed my of the law, but have said that they never disclose information about patients.www.epilepsyfoundation.org has a great section on driving privledges. You can look up your state and see what the regs and restrictions are. Some states have provisions for seizures that happen as a result of med changes, etc.Here's the direct link:http://epilepsyfoundation.org/answerplace/Social/driving/statedrivinglaws.cfmI hope you find some good information for you. Good luck with your seizure control. I hope you can get things worked out.Lemond

RE: California DMV

Submitted by jennamay on Fri, 2005-01-21 - 10:59

Hi Todd,

Below are links to driving information:

http://www.epilepsy.com/epilepsy/rights_driving.html

http://www.epilepsy.com/epilepsy/safety_driving.html

Epilepsy.com Editor

RE: California DMV

Submitted by gsness on Fri, 2005-01-21 - 13:42

Hi ToddPinnel!Been there, done that. I live in San Diego, California. Every time I've been taken to the ER they have always reported it. It's a liability issue with the doctors now, and they are required to do so by state law.The waiting time for a suspension due to a seizure in California is 6 months. After that, you have to go to the DMV and state that you have been seizure free for the necessary period of time. Take a letter with you from your neuro saying that you haven't had any seizures for the six month period. If you haven't been taken to the hospital for that period of time they should believe you. If it happens too many times they may either suspend your license for a year or permanently.If it's your first time, you might get away with a letter from your neuro saying that your new medication regimen has adequately controlled your seizures. I got away with that the first time it happened and avoided a suspension.All that being said, do consider the risk you present to yourself and others if you drive and your seizures are not controlled. I know California sucks when it comes to public transportation; but the physical and legal risks one takes when driving while prone to seizures are PHENOMONAL. I will not drive if (a) I feel in the least bit ill or “under the weather,” and (b) I pull over immediately if I sense aura activity coming on. Believe it or not, that's what forced me to get this darned cell phone. It's just to call someone to come and get me if I need help under these circumstances.It's happened to me three times… so hang in there!Blessings and good luck!gsness