California Driving Law for a Right Leg Above the Knee Amputee

Driver's licensing in California is controlled by the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and the department can revoke your license or refuse to issue one if you have a physical impairment affecting your ability to drive. However, the mere presence of a physical impairment is not enough for the DMV to deny a person a license.

Physical Impairment

The DMV cannot issue a blanket refusal to give a person with an impairment, such as an above-the-knee amputation, a license. The DMV must investigate the person's ability to drive before taking away the license. Vehicle Code Section 12814 covers examinations of drivers with conditions that could adversely affect driving ability.

Requirements

Amputee drivers must be able to compensate for their impairment while driving. Factors include strength, mobility, coordination and stamina. The DMV also considers the driver's driving record and whether they will be able to handle their regular driving habits with the disability or change their habits to suit. The type of car driven will also be taken into account, such as automatic transmission or and modified vehicles.

Dangerous Driving

The same rules of the road apply to people with an amputation as to those without disabilities and breaking these laws results in fines or imprisonment as for everyone else.

References

• California Department of Motor Vehicles: Physical and Mental Evaluation Guidelines
• California Department of Motor Vehicles: Vehicle Code Section 12814