DMV Policy for Drivers with Respiratory Conditions Requiring Supplemental Oxygen and/or Sleep Disorders

DMV's policy for drivers with respiratory conditions requiring supplemental oxygen and/or with sleep disorders, based on guidance and recommendations from the Medical Advisory Board, is as follows:

Drivers Needing Supplemental Oxygen

Drivers requiring supplemental oxygen in order to maintain sufficient oxygen saturation levels may be allowed to drive only under the following circumstances:

  • The customer will submit a Customer Medical Report (MED-2), to include a physician statement attesting to the fact that, with oxygen, the customer can maintain oxygen saturation level of 90% or higher and may safely operate a motor vehicle.
  • The customer must agree to use supplemental oxygen while operating a motor vehicle.
  • If there is any concern that driving may cause O2 saturation levels to drop below 90% during the operation of a motor vehicle, the customer must submit to an assessment by a driver rehabilitation specialist who can determine whether levels are appropriately maintained.
  • The driver will be reviewed every six (6)  months.

Drivers with Sleep Disorders or Narcolepsy

Drivers who have sleep apnea or narcolepsy with evidence that they may be at risk for daytime sleeping, must demonstrate compliance with treatment demonstrated by 70% of nights showing four (4) or more hours of use and treatment effectiveness by a medical report.

Drivers who come to the attention of DMV because they have moderate or severe sleep apnea or narcolepsy that may have led to a syncope or loss of consciousness event will be subject to the syncope policy. In addition to remaining free of further loss of consciousness events, drivers must demonstrate treatment effectiveness in order to have their driving privileges reinstated.

Additional Documentation

DMV reserves the right to request that a driver provide additional information from a specialist in order to determine the severity of the condition and to assess the driver's ability to safely operate a motor vehicle.

DMV may also impose additional requirements on the individual depending on the information received.