So, you've had a seizure. Maybe it's your first one, or maybe it's your first one in a long time. What does the law say about your ability to get behind the wheel of a car again?

Each state has different requirements. For residents of Tennessee and Georgia, you must be seizure free for at least six months. (Some states are three months and other's are twelve.) In both Tennessee and Georgia, your neurologist is NOT required to report your seizures to the Department of Motor Vehicles. (In other states, a doctor is required to report a patient's seizures). If you are denied a license, in Georgia you have 15 days to appeal and in Tennessee you have 30.

What if you always have an aura before having a seizure which would give you time to pull over? Or, what if you only have seizures at night time which wouldn't hinder your ability to drive? Ask your physician first if he/she thinks you are safe to drive. Each state has a Medical Advisory Board that you could appeal through to have a medical exception made for your case.

To check other states' laws, click here.