The Road Safety Authority (RSA) and the National Office for Traffic Medicine (NOTM) have today unveiled a comprehensive update to Ireland’s medical fitness to drive guidelines, Sláinte agus Tiomáint, aimed at ensuring drivers with medical conditions are assessed fairly and safely.
The revised guidelines reflect the latest in international medical research and road safety best practices. They offer essential support to healthcare professionals tasked with determining whether patients are fit to drive following a diagnosis, injury, or medical treatment.
Key changes include updated advice on rehabilitation and return-to-driving pathways for those recovering from conditions like stroke or brain trauma. The new framework encourages a multidisciplinary approach involving doctors, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and optometrists to assist patients in returning to driving safely.
In addition, the guidelines provide improved advice on managing sensitive conversations about driving cessation and include detailed updates on conditions such as epilepsy, diabetes, sleep disorders, and cardiovascular health.
Sam Waide, Chief Executive of the Road Safety Authority (RSA), said:
“With an ageing population and increasing numbers of drivers managing chronic health conditions, these guidelines are more relevant than ever. By aligning with international best practices and drawing on the latest medical research, we aim to ensure that medical fitness assessments are fair, transparent, and prioritise road safety.”
The new guidance also recognises the importance of maintaining personal independence. Driving may continue in some cases under specific licence restrictions, such as car adaptations, daylight-only driving, or speed and distance limits. Where driving is no longer viable, these updates highlight other mobility solutions and note that a free travel pass is available for those deemed medically unfit to drive for at least 12 months.
Professor Desmond O’Neill, Director of NOTM, added:
“These updates reflect the evolving nature of road safety and medical science. We recognise the importance of balancing road safety with individual mobility and independence. By equipping healthcare professionals with clear, up-to-date guidance, we can ensure that decisions around fitness to drive are made with confidence, fairness, and safety in mind.
If doctors and other health professionals routinely provide advice based on these guidelines to their patients, we can reduce crash rates by up to one third and also maintain safe mobility for longer for their patients.”
The NOTM operates from the Centre for Innovative Human Systems within the School of Psychology at Trinity College Dublin. The updated Sláinte agus Tiomáint guidelines are now available on the RSA website.