Changes to Existing Law

32-12-5.1. The Department of Public Safety may deny the issuance of a motor vehicle operator's license, motorcycle operator's license, restricted minor's permit, motorcycle restricted minor's permit, instruction permit, or motorcycle instruction permit to any individual who has experienced convulsions, seizures, or blackouts, until the individual has experienced a period of twelve months without any such episode. However, upon only if the applicant has been diagnosed, by a licensed physician, as having a chronic medical condition that could interfere with the operation of a motor vehicle. Any person with a physical condition that would detract from the ability to safely operate a motor vehicle must show, through examination by a personal physician, that the person has the ability to do so. Upon receipt of a statement signed by the applicant that the applicant's condition is adequately controlled by medication, the applicant is continuing to take medication, and the applicant is under the care of a physician, the Department of Public Safety may issue a temporary permit to the applicant. This temporary permit is subject to the provisions of § 32-12-36 and is reviewable by the department every six months, or until the applicant has gone a period of twelve months without any episode. If the department has reasonable grounds to believe that an applicant's condition may affect the safe operation of a motor vehicle or motorcycle, the department may require the applicant to submit to the department a medical examination or physician's certification attesting to the applicant's fitness to operate a motor vehicle in order to receive the temporary permit. 25