Driving after a medical diagnosis in California: DMV rules and other ways to get around

The short answer

As of October 29, 2026:

A diagnosis does not by itself end your license. The DMV decides case by case, using information from your clinician. It can take no action, add restrictions, order medical probation, or suspend or revoke your license.
Doctors must report some diagnoses. Patients 14 or older with a disorder marked by lapses of consciousness, including Alzheimer's disease severe enough to impair driving, are reported to the local health officer, who tells the DMV. The report is confidential.
If the DMV mails you a Driver Medical Evaluation (DS 326), fill in your part, take it to your clinician, and make sure it goes back by the date on the form.
Watch DMV deadlines. A priority reexamination gives you about 5 days to contact Driver Safety. You have 10 days to request a hearing after an action against your license (14 if the notice was mailed).
A prescription is no defense to DUI. Driving under the influence of any drug, including prescribed and over-the-counter medicines, is illegal.
If you drive less or stop, ask about a disabled parking placard (REG 195), reduced transit fares, ADA paratransit, and Medi-Cal rides to covered care, including mileage reimbursement when you arrange your own ride.

Who decides, and how the DMV finds out

The DMV makes the licensing decision, not your doctor. Its medical form says the department "has sole responsibility for any decision regarding your driving qualifications and licensure," and it weighs non-medical facts too, such as your driving record.

The DMV can learn about a health problem from a doctor's report, from police, from your driving record (for example, three crashes in 12 months), or from anyone who knows you. Family, friends, caregivers and others can file a Request for Driver Reexamination (DS 699). They must sign it but may ask the DMV to keep their name confidential.

Two protections apply. The DMV says "a person's age is not a sufficient reason for reexamination." And under Vehicle Code §1808.5, DMV records about a physical or mental condition are confidential.

When your doctor must report a diagnosis

The rule is Health and Safety Code §103900:

Physicians must report immediately, in writing, to the local health officer the name, date of birth and address of every patient 14 or older diagnosed with a disorder characterized by lapses of consciousness. The health officer passes this to the DMV.
The definition includes Alzheimer's disease and related disorders severe enough to be likely to impair driving.
A physician may also report in good faith when it would serve the public interest, even if not required.
The DMV must keep reports confidential and use them only to decide whether a person may drive. A physician is not civilly or criminally liable to the patient for a required or permitted report.

What counts. State regulations define the conditions. As San Francisco's public health department summarizes them, a reportable condition involves all three of: loss of consciousness or markedly reduced alertness; inability to perform one or more activities of daily living; and impairment of the senses and movements used to drive. Examples include seizure disorders, brain tumors, narcolepsy, sleep apnea, and very low or very high blood sugar. No report is needed if, for example, the patient says they do not drive and never intend to and the doctor believes it, or the condition was already reported and the patient has not driven since.

Separately, Vehicle Code §12806 lets the DMV refuse to issue or renew a license for someone with a lapse-of-consciousness disorder unless medical information shows they can drive safely, as a 2025 Assembly committee analysis describes it.

What happens in a DMV medical review

Medical reviews are handled by DMV Driver Safety offices. The usual steps:

A request for medical information. The DMV often mails a Driver Medical Evaluation (DS 326), revised August 2026. You complete and sign Sections 1 to 3. A physician, physician assistant or advanced practice registered nurse completes the rest, covering vision, functional impairment, dementia, lapses of consciousness and diabetes. The form warns that not providing the information "is cause for refusal to issue a license or to withdraw the driving privilege." If the information shows no risk, the case may end here.
A reexamination, in person or by phone. For a priority reexamination, you must contact Driver Safety within 5 days (5 working days after a police referral) or your license is suspended.
An interview with a hearing officer about your health, driving history and the rules of the road.
Tests, if required: vision, a written test and a drive test. You bring the car and proof of insurance. Interpreters are available, but not during the drive test.
A written decision explaining any action and your hearing rights.

Missing a reexamination leads to suspension until you complete it (Vehicle Code §13801).

Possible outcomes. The DMV weighs the diagnosis, recent episodes, prognosis, whether you follow treatment, aggravating factors such as alcohol, drugs, stress and sleep deprivation, and helpful ones such as adaptive equipment or changed driving habits. Its evaluation guidelines say "there must be sufficient facts to support any DMV action."

Outcome	What it means
No action	Nothing changes.
Calendar reexamination	You keep driving but return for review on a set date.
Medical probation	You keep driving if you follow treatment and report changes; some probation requires medical reports on set dates or yearly.
Limited-term license	One to two years, then another evaluation.
Restriction	Driving only in daylight, in certain areas, or with special equipment.
Suspension	Driving stops indefinitely; it can be lifted once the condition is controlled.
Revocation	The privilege ends; generally used when improvement seems unlikely.

Your hearing rights. The DMV's hearing fact sheet (FFDL 26) says to request a hearing within 10 days of receiving the notice, or 14 days from the notice date if mailed; otherwise you lose the right. You may bring a lawyer at your own expense, present medical records, subpoena witnesses, and copy the DMV's evidence at least 10 days before. After the decision, you may be able to seek a departmental review or go to Superior Court; deadlines are on the decision notice. A hearing request does not stop the DMV from acting at once against an immediate danger (Vehicle Code §13953).

Vision standards

Every new and renewing driver takes a vision screening. Under a regulation in effect since April 1, 2025 (13 CCR §20.03), you must see 20/40 with both eyes together, 20/40 in one eye, and at least 20/70 in the other. Glasses or contacts are allowed; if you need them, your license says so.

If you fail the screening:

An optometrist or ophthalmologist completes a Report of Vision Examination (DL 62), dated within 6 months.
The DMV may require a vision drive test, more frequent screenings for a worsening condition, or restrictions such as daylight-only driving.
Renewing drivers who see no worse than 20/70 with both eyes can get a 60-day temporary license while they get the exam.

The hard limit: no license if your best-corrected vision is 20/200 or worse in the better eye. A bioptic telescope cannot be used to meet that standard, and the DMV does not give drive tests at that level (see its vision conditions page).

Seizures, sleep disorders, dementia and diabetes

Seizures and other lapses of consciousness

The DMV says epilepsy is the most common lapse-of-consciousness disorder. When it receives a report, the DMV "must evaluate the driver," and the result may be no action, medical probation, suspension or revocation (see its lapse of consciousness page). Probation can require DS 326 reports, reexaminations, reporting health changes, and limits on when or where you drive. If a condition seems unstable, the DMV may ask for a new DS 326, reexamine you or suspend immediately.

The DMV's published pages do not give a fixed seizure-free waiting period, so this guide does not either. Ask your own clinician, and ask Driver Safety about a pending case.

Sleep disorders

The DMV notes that "sleep disorders, such as narcolepsy, can also cause a loss of awareness or consciousness." Narcolepsy and sleep apnea are among the reporting examples above, so a doctor may have to report them when they meet the definition. If daytime sleepiness affects you, raise it with your clinician; see building better rest.

Dementia

Per the DMV's dementia page, a report leads to a required medical evaluation, and the DMV "does not take action without information from the driver's doctor."

Moderate or severe dementia: the license is revoked, with no reexamination.
Mild dementia: you may go through an interview, a knowledge test and a Supplemental Driver Performance Evaluation (a drive test of attention, perception and decisions). If you pass, the DMV may review you again within 6 to 12 months. It warns that mild dementia "can rapidly progress to moderate or severe, even if the driver is not aware of that."

Diabetes and other conditions

The DS 326 has a diabetes section. The DMV also lists stroke, arthritis, neuropathy and limited mobility as conditions that can affect driving. Often the issue is function: an occupational therapist can test reaction time, vision and decision-making and suggest equipment such as wide-angle mirrors or hand controls (see the DMV's driving independence page).

Medicines and driving under the influence

Vehicle Code §23152 makes it unlawful to drive "under the influence of any drug," or under the combined influence of alcohol and any drug. There is no numeric limit, as there is for alcohol. Under Vehicle Code §23630, being entitled to use the drug under state law "shall not constitute a defense."

The DMV's driver handbook says: "The law does not see a difference between illegal drugs and medications you get from a doctor or pharmacy." That includes over-the-counter products such as cough syrup. By driving in California you agree to a breath, blood or urine test if an officer suspects DUI, and refusing brings a one-year suspension or revocation.

Read every label. The handbook says "it is your responsibility to know the effects of the medications you take."
When a medicine is new or its dose changes, ask the prescriber or pharmacist whether it affects driving or interacts with alcohol or your other medicines. See questions to ask before starting a medication.
Do not stop a prescribed medicine on your own in order to drive. Ask the prescriber first.

How to talk with your clinician about driving

Your clinician can explain what your condition and treatment mean for driving and document it for the DMV, which makes the decision. To make the visit useful:

Raise it yourself, especially after a new diagnosis, a hospital stay, a blackout or a new medicine.
Describe your real driving: how often, how far, at night or on freeways, and any near misses, tickets or crashes. The DMV considers mileage, time of day and where you drive.
Ask directly: Does my condition or treatment affect my vision, alertness, reaction time or judgment? Is it stable? Which symptoms mean I should stop driving? Must you report my diagnosis?
Review each medicine for drowsiness or slowed reactions.
Ask what could keep you driving safely: an occupational therapy driving evaluation, adaptive equipment, or limits such as daylight-only driving.
Bring the DMV's Driver Skills Self-Assessment Questionnaire, 23 questions on hearing, vision, movement and thinking skills.
If you have a DS 326, bring it with your sections done, point out the return date, and ask for a copy.

If your clinician says not to drive for now, follow that while you work out next steps.

Older drivers and license renewal

From the DMV's 70+ renewal page and senior drivers guide:

In person, every five years. Drivers 70 and older must renew at a DMV office, though you can start online. The renewal notice arrives about 60 days before expiration.
A knowledge test may not be needed; check your notice. If one is, you can choose eLearning, an open-book, no-fail course of about 20 to 30 minutes.
Every renewal includes a vision test.
A drive test is possible. In some cases an examiner gives an Area Driving Performance Evaluation near your home; passing can bring a license limited to that area, sometimes with no-freeway or daylight-only limits.
Age alone does not trigger reexamination; a medical condition, poor driving record or referral can.
Courses and ID. Completing an approved mature driver improvement course can qualify you for lower insurance premiums. The Senior Citizen ID card is free at 62 and older and is valid for eight birthdays.

Disabled parking placards

A disabled person (DP) placard can shorten trips even if you still drive, and it can move between vehicles, so the people who drive you can use it when you ride with them. You apply with the REG 195 application (revised November 2023).

Who qualifies. A medical provider must certify one of these:

Vision of 20/200 or worse in the better eye with correction, or a visual field of 20 degrees or less.
Heart disease at American Heart Association class III or IV.
Lung disease with a one-second forced expiratory volume under one liter, or resting blood oxygen (pO2) under 60 mm/Hg on room air.
A diagnosed disease that substantially impairs mobility, or needing an assistive device to move.
Significant limitation, loss or loss of use of one or both legs, or loss or loss of use of both hands.

Physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners and certified nurse-midwives can certify most items; chiropractors, podiatrists and eye doctors only items in their field. The form asks for a full diagnosis, not "trouble walking."

Type	How long it lasts	Fee
Permanent placard	Two years; expires June 30 of odd-numbered years	None, including renewal
Temporary placard	Up to 180 days or the provider's date, if sooner; up to six renewals in a row	$6
Travel placard	30 days for residents who hold a permanent placard or DP or DV plates	None
DP license plates	Stay on one vehicle	Regular registration fees only

How to apply:

Complete and sign your sections of the REG 195.
Have your provider complete the medical certification (waived in a few cases, such as loss of a leg or both hands when you apply in person).
Submit it with a copy of proof of your legal name and date of birth, at a DMV office (no appointment needed), online or by mail.

Renewal and use. Permanent placards renew online or by the QR code on your notice, with no new medical certification; after six years the DMV needs your signature. According to the DMV's placard page, you may park in wheelchair-symbol spaces and at blue curbs, at green curbs without a time limit, and at on-street meters free. Crosshatched aisles and red, yellow and white curbs remain off limits. Gas stations must refuel your car at self-service prices unless only one employee is on duty. Misuse can bring fines and loss of the placard.

When driving stops: other ways to get around

Many people need these options for a few months, during treatment or a suspension, not forever.

Option	Who it serves	How to start
Reduced transit fares	Seniors, people with disabilities and disabled veterans, where the operator offers senior discounts	Show your Medicare card, Senior ID or placard ID card
ADA paratransit	People with disabilities who meet federal eligibility rules	Apply to your local transit agency
Medi-Cal nonmedical rides	Medi-Cal members going to covered care	Call your plan's member services
Medi-Cal medical transportation	Members who need medical transport, such as a wheelchair van	Ask your clinician and plan
Local senior services	Older adults and caregivers	Call 1-800-510-2020

Reduced transit fares

Under Public Utilities Code §99155, a California transit operator that offers senior discounts must accept your Medicare card as proof, give people with disabilities and disabled veterans the same reduced fare, and accept the ID card issued with a DMV disabled placard. It must honor another operator's current disability ID card, cannot demand its own ID on top of a Medicare or placard ID card, and, if it receives state transit funds, cannot require you to live in its service area. Discount amounts and starting ages are set locally.

ADA paratransit

ADA paratransit, or "complementary paratransit," is the ride service that comes from the federal Americans with Disabilities Act. Public Utilities Code §99155.5 notes that it has its own federal eligibility categories and service standards, and that not everyone with a disability under state law qualifies. Ask your local transit agency for its application, whether an in-person assessment or clinician statement is needed, and how far ahead to book.

The same law says operators funded under it must provide dial-a-ride or paratransit whether or not your household owns a car, and eligible visitors get the same terms as residents. You can report violations to the regional transportation planning agency or county transportation commission.

Medi-Cal rides to medical care

Welfare and Institutions Code §14132 covers two kinds of transportation:

Medical transportation (subdivision (i)), "subject to utilization controls." Trips by ambulance, litter van or wheelchair van for someone sick, injured or incapacitated fall here, not under the nonmedical benefit.
Nonmedical transportation (subdivision (ad)) to covered Medi-Cal services: round trips by car, taxi or other public or private transport; mileage reimbursement when you arrange a private vehicle yourself rather than through a transportation broker; and bus passes, taxi vouchers and train tickets. You must attest that other available resources have been reasonably exhausted. Managed care plans provide this benefit for their members.

Call the member services number on your plan card to ask how to book and how much notice is needed. For background, see Medi-Cal in plain language.

Other options people miss

A narrower license instead of none: daylight-only, no-freeway or local-area limits may keep you driving where it matters most.
Local help lines: the DMV's senior guide lists your county's Area Agency on Aging information line (1-800-510-2020) and the Eldercare Locator (1-800-677-1116), and suggests carpools, shuttles, public transit, community services and Caltrans' Smart Traveler.
Help at home: see IHSS and paid family caregiving.

If you decide to give up your license

You can surrender it with a DL 142 form. Vehicle Code §13002 lets the DMV issue an ID card in exchange for a license surrendered because of a physical or mental condition, and the Senior Citizen ID is free at 62 and older. Plan for a gap: the 2025 Assembly analysis noted that the ID card is mailed three to four weeks later, and that switching may mean redoing REAL ID paperwork in person.

Everyday road safety

From the DMV's California Driver's Handbook:

Seat belts: "You and your passengers must wear seat belts."
Children under 2 who weigh under 40 pounds and are shorter than 3 feet 4 inches ride rear-facing. Children under 8 or shorter than 4 feet 9 inches ride in a child restraint in a rear seat.
Never leave a child 6 or younger alone in a vehicle; it is illegal.
Drowsy driving: the handbook's health section says fatigue and drowsiness affect your vision and slow your reaction to hazards, and some medicines make you sleepy. If you are drowsy, let someone else drive or wait.

If you are hurt in a crash, see medical bills after a car crash in California.

Where to get free help

DMV Driver Safety (DS 326, reexaminations, hearings): (833) 543-7703, or the office named on your notice.
Area Agency on Aging (rides and senior services): 1-800-510-2020.
Eldercare Locator: 1-800-677-1116.
Medi-Cal rides: the member services number on your plan card.
Reduced fares and ADA paratransit: your local transit agency. Complaints about state paratransit rules go to your regional transportation planning agency or county transportation commission; under §99155.5, a person with a disability may also ask the California Attorney General to resolve a compliance dispute.

Sources

California Health and Safety Code § 103900 — California.Public.Law (reproducing the official California code), verified current October 26, 2026.
California Vehicle Code § 23152 — California.Public.Law, verified current October 26, 2026.
California Vehicle Code § 23630 — California.Public.Law, verified current October 26, 2026.
California Welfare and Institutions Code § 14132 — California.Public.Law, verified current October 26, 2026.
California Public Utilities Code § 99155 — California.Public.Law, verified current October 26, 2026.
California Public Utilities Code § 99155.5 — California.Public.Law, verified current October 26, 2026.
Cal. Code Regs. tit. 13, § 20.03, Vision Screening — California Department of Motor Vehicles regulation (operative April 1, 2025), as reproduced by the Legal Information Institute, Cornell Law School, accessed October 29, 2026.
Driver Medical Evaluation (DS 326) — California Department of Motor Vehicles, revised August 2026.
Deteriorated Driving Abilities — California Department of Motor Vehicles, updated August 7, 2026.
Evaluation Guidelines — California Department of Motor Vehicles, updated May 16, 2023.
Driver Safety Administrative Hearings Process (FFDL 26) — California Department of Motor Vehicles, revised September 2026.
Lapse of Consciousness Disorders — California Department of Motor Vehicles, updated August 7, 2026.
Dementia — California Department of Motor Vehicles, updated August 7, 2026.
Vision Conditions — California Department of Motor Vehicles, updated August 7, 2026.
Maintaining Driving Independence and Safety — California Department of Motor Vehicles, updated April 20, 2026.
Driver Skills Self-Assessment Questionnaire — California Department of Motor Vehicles, updated March 10, 2026.
Driver's License Renewal for 70+ — California Department of Motor Vehicles, updated March 26, 2026.
Senior Drivers — California Department of Motor Vehicles, updated August 7, 2026.
California Driver's Handbook: Alcohol and Drugs — California Department of Motor Vehicles, updated April 20, 2026.
California Driver's Handbook, Section 5: An Introduction to Driving — California Department of Motor Vehicles, updated June 12, 2025.
California Driver's Handbook, Section 8: Safe Driving (continued) — California Department of Motor Vehicles, accessed October 29, 2026.
Disabled Person Parking Placards & Plates — California Department of Motor Vehicles, updated September 25, 2026.
Application for Disabled Person Placard or Plates (REG 195) — California Department of Motor Vehicles, revised November 2023.
Request for Cancellation or Surrender of a Driver License or Identification Card (DL 142) — California Department of Motor Vehicles, revised December 2014.
AB 1151 (Connolly), Driver's licenses: identification cards, bill analysis — California State Assembly Committee on Transportation, hearing of April 21, 2025.
HIPAA Compliance: Reporting Individuals with Lapse of Consciousness to DMV (Policy C8.0) — San Francisco Department of Public Health, revised December 28, 2022.