New Jersey residents with autism can put diagnosis on license, ID

• New Jersey is rolling out a program that allows residents with autism or communication disorders to indicate their diagnosis on their driver’s license or state-issued ID. The new initiative is designed to help law enforcement officers better understand and assist individuals.
• The designation will appear as a “5” in the restrictions section of the license or ID.
• A pink card will also be issued to those approved for the program, explaining the individual’s disorder.

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New Jersey residents with autism or a communication disorder can soon choose to designate their diagnosis on their driver’s license or state-issued ID. The initiative aims to improve interactions with law enforcement officers and prevent misunderstandings.

Support for law enforcement

Individuals can apply to have a “5” added to their driver’s license or ID. When police pull them over or interact with them, officers will see the designation in the restrictions section of their license or ID. This voluntary program follows a 2023 law signed by Gov. Phil Murphy allowing for the designation.

Improving understanding during encounters

In a statement, New Jersey Department of Human Services Commissioner Sarah Adelman said, “Individuals with autism and other communication disorders often have different communication needs they may not be able to express and which may go unrecognized today.”

To assist law enforcement, the state’s attorney general worked with the Human Services Department to create a guide for officers. The guide includes information on autism spectrum disorder, communication disorders and tips for effective communication.

Reference guide for officers

The reference guide officers will carry detail signs of autism spectrum disorder, including the common fight, flight or freeze responses. It also suggests that officers use simple language, speak slowly and practice patience when interacting with individuals with these conditions.

Additionally, the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission will issue a pink card explaining the individual’s disorder. The card can be handed to police during an encounter.

The process mirrors New Jersey’s Blue Envelope program, where drivers with autism can place an envelope containing their license, registration and contact information on their sun visor for officers to see during a traffic stop.