It is the policy of the Department of Motor Vehicles, based on guidance and recommendations from the Medical Advisory Board, that drivers who have any medical condition that indicates the need for and use of prescribed long-acting narcotics (LANS) or any potentially mind-altering drug for the treatment of chronic and severe pain will be placed on yearly periodic medical review. If the LANS are newly prescribed, the initial follow-up review will take place in 6 months and then once a year. DMV may impose additional requirements on the individual depending on the information received by the agency.
Drugs are subject to review including, but not limited to, all Schedule II narcotics such as Oxycodone, Morphine, Methadone, Fentanyl and Tramadol.
DMV reserves the right to request that a driver provide additional information from a specialist in order to assess their ability to safely operate a motor vehicle.
Commercial Drivers
DMV adheres to the guidelines set forth by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration for commercial drivers as it pertains to the use of prescribed medication:
A driver of a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) cannot take a controlled substance or prescription medication without a prescription from a licensed practitioner. The driver is medically unqualified to drive if he/she is taking:
- A drug identified in 21 CFR 1308.11 (391.42(b) (12))
- A anti-seizure medication used for the prevention of seizures
- An amphetamine, a narcotic, or any other habit forming drug, including methadone
The driver may be qualified to drive a CMV if the prescribing doctor certifies that he/she can safely drive a CMV while taking the medication. In this case, the Medical Examiner may, but is not required to, certify the driver.
To determine if any medication a driver uses will adversely affect safe operation of a CMV, the medical examiner may review each medication, whether prescription, non-prescription and supplement, or request a letter from the prescribing doctor.
DMV reserves the right to request that a commercial driver provide additional information from a specialist in order to assess the CMV driver's ability to operate a motor vehicle safely.
Additional Requirements
DMV may impose additional requirements on the individual depending on the information received by the agency.