1. (1) With respect to conditions affecting neurological or neuromuscular function, the review boards when making recommendations, and the department when taking licensing action, may consider disorders including, but not limited to, the following:

   1. (a) Cerebral palsy.
   2. (b) Multiple sclerosis.
   3. (c) Muscular dystrophy.
   4. (d) Myasthenia gravis.
   5. (e) Neuralgia or neuritis.
   6. (f) Parkinson’s disease or other extrapyramidal disorders or symptoms.
   7. (g) Poliomyelitis.
   8. (h) Seizure disorders.
   9. (i) Spinal cord injury.
   10. (j) Brain injury.

2. (2) The department may require information on functional ability including, but not limited to, the following:

   1. (a) Episodes of altered consciousness or loss of bodily control.

   2. (b) Degree of functional impairment, including the following:

      1. 1. Extent to which loss of muscle tone, movement, or spasm affects functional ability.

      2. 2. Extent to which fatigue affects functional ability.

         (3)(a) Licensing standards. No license may be issued to, renewed by, or held by a person who does not meet the medical review standards for conditions affecting neurological or neuromuscular function of this subsection.

   3. (b) Medical standards for operator licenses. A person who applies for, renews, or holds for an operator’s license shall meet all of the following neuromuscular function criteria:

      1. 1. There has been no episode of altered consciousness or loss of bodily control caused by a neurological condition within the 6 months preceding application.
      2. 2. The person adequately compensates for any paralysis or sensory deficit when operating a vehicle.
      3. 3. Fatigue, weakness, muscle spasm or tremor at rest does not impair safe driving, as assessed by a physician or determined through a driving evaluation.
      4. 4. There are no effects or side effects of medication that interferes with safe driving.
      5. 5. There is no decline in cognition to an extent that interferes with safe driving.

Author: Lieutenant F. A. Bingham

Statutory Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §§32-2-9, 32-6-13, as amended.

History: New Rule: Filed March 12, 1996; effective April 16, 1996.