Driver's License Markers for People With Autism

Takeaways

• A New Jersey program allows individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or other communication disorders to have a voluntary designation on their driver's licenses or ID cards to alert law enforcement.
• The program includes guidance for officers on how to interact with individuals with ASD or communication disorders, emphasizing calm, patient, and person-first language.
• Similar programs exist in other states, including license markers and "Blue Envelope" programs, which provide information about a person's needs during traffic stops.

A recent New Jersey program seeks to facilitate smoother interactions between law enforcement officers and people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or communication disorders such as hearing impairments. The program addresses concerns that when traffic stops occur, officers may misunderstand the actions and intentions of these individuals, leading to conflict.

What Is Autism Spectrum Disorder?

Autism spectrum disorder is a developmental disability that has an impact on how people interact with others, learn, and behave. Symptoms of autism, which can vary in severity from person to person, may include the following:

• Repetitive behaviors or movements
• Trouble with social skills or interactions, including avoiding eye contact and misreading social cues, emotions, or body language in others
• Executive dysfunction, such as struggling with time management or planning
• Heightened sensitivity to light, sound, taste, smell, temperature, or touch
• An intense interest in specific subjects or activities

A 2017 study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimated that more than 5 million adults in the United States have ASD. Though some studies suggest autism is a genetic condition, not all autistic people have a clear genetic cause. Environmental factors may also play a role.

License Designations for Traffic Stops

By allowing those with ASD and communication disorders to alert officers to their diagnoses, the program in New Jersey looks to prevent misunderstandings. As of February 2025, eligible people may apply for a voluntary designation on their driver’s licenses and nondriver identification cards with the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (NJMVC). They can also opt for a pink card to hand to officers during traffic stops, Disability Scoop reports.

The license designation or ID card informs law enforcement officers that the individual has ASD or a disorder that impairs communication, such as a hearing impairment. This information allows officers to adapt their policing to each situation. For instance, it can help an officer respond appropriately when a person with autism or a hearing impairment takes longer to answer a question. Knowing the driver has autism or a communication disorder can likewise help an officer maintain calm if the individual with a disability appears stressed.

Guidance for Officers

The program is the fruit of 2023 legislation, signed by New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, which also tasked the state Department of Human Services and the Attorney General’s Office with creating guidance for law enforcement. This guidance educates officers about ASD and communication disorders to foster calm, informed responses. Its goal is for officers to be aware of the effects of ASD and communication disorders and to be educated in how to respond.

The guidance for autism lists signs of the disorder, such as avoiding eye contact, repeating words or phrases, seeming blunt or argumentative, and not responding to social cues, as well as how officers should react. It advises officers to speak slowly, calmly, and clearly, be patient and give space, use person-first language, and avoid unnecessary touching.

Guidance for interacting with those with communication disorders similarly lists signs and recommendations. People with communications disorders may demonstrate difficulty understanding what is happening and answering questions. They may rely on gestures for communication or have trouble producing words or sounds. Police are advised to be patient and allow for additional time, repeat or rephrase messages, and provide visual information to support understanding.

Apply for a Designation in New Jersey

If you or a loved one have autism or a communication disorder and are a resident of New Jersey, you may apply for a designation with the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission. The application process involves completing the Autism Spectrum/Communication Disorder Designation Application (Form MR-16), submitting six forms of identification, and paying the applicable fee. The fee is $24 for those who need to renew their license and $11 for those requesting a duplicate license.

Similar Programs in Other States

While New Jersey’s program is relatively new, other states, such as Texas, Arkansas, Georgia, and Virginia, as well as Washington D.C., have similar programs that allow individuals with disabilities to apply for driver’s licenses markers. Information about these programs is available on state department of motor vehicle websites.

Other states employ “Blue Envelope” programs. These programs allow individuals with communications disorders to hand officers a blue envelope containing information about their needs during traffic stops.

Additional Reading

For further reading on this and related topics, check out the following articles:

• Special Needs Registries for People With Disabilities
• Advancements in Autism Diagnosis and Support for Kids
• Loans and Grants for Wheelchair Vans and Vehicle Adaptations
• Mental Health Parity: What It Is and Why It Still Matters