Medical Considerations

Vision

With or without glasses, you must have 20/50 vision in at least one eye. If you pass wearing glasses or contacts, you will receive a restriction on your license that requires you to wear your corrective lenses while driving.

Hearing

There are no driving restrictions pertaining to hearing.

Deaf drivers, or those with a hearing loss of 41 decibels or more, receive a special license sporting either a numerical code or the international deaf symbol. This helps eliminate communication problems if stopped by authorities.

Seizures

Physicians are required by law to report to the Motor Vehicle Commission's Medical Review Unit any patient over the age of 16 being treated for seizures. The Medical Review Unit will then determine whether:

• The driver's license should be restricted.

• The driver's license should be suspended.

• The driver should be re-examined.

• The driver should be monitored with regular medical checks.

• No actions or restrictions should be imposed on the driver.

Suspended License Due to Medical Condition

If you lose your license due to a seizure, generally you must be seizure-free for one year before you can re-apply. However, keep in mind that all medical review cases are governed on an individual basis. Contact the Medical Review Unit at (609) 292-7500, ext. 5032 for more detailed assistance concerning your situation.

License reinstatement forms can only be obtained by contacting the Medical Review Unit. All appropriate forms will then be mailed to you, which you must complete and mail back. The Medical Review Unit will then review your case and contact you by mail with its decision.

Aging Drivers

There are no elderly driver restrictions or special requirements.

Reporting an Incompetent Driver

If you have serious concerns about someone you know getting behind the wheel, it's best to notify the Motor Vehicle Commission in writing. In your letter, include the motorist's medical condition, name, address, driver license number and date of birth. Also, provide your contact information as well as your relationship to the driver and details about what's causing you to suspect that the driver in question should not be operating a vehicle.

Mail to:

• Medical Review Unit

• NJMVC

• P.O. Box 173

• Trenton, New Jersey 08666-0173

Or, fax to: (609) 292-7504

You can call the Medical Review Unit at (609) 292-7500, ext. 5032 with any questions.

Testing Accommodations for Drivers with Disabilities

Interpreters for the hearing impaired are available. Contact any Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) office for more information.

See our article about drivers with disabilities for more information on licensing, parking placards, and special discounts.

Medical Links and Publications

• Driver Examination/Medical Evaluation Request

• Medical Emergency Report