NJ Launches Tools to Better Communication Between Police and Residents with Autism, Communication Disorders

Drivers Can Now Opt for a License Designation Indicating Their Disability Status; Guidance to Help Officers Communicate and Avoid Misunderstandings

NEW JERSEY – The New Jersey Department of Human Services, the Office of the Attorney General, and the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (NJMVC) have joined forces to improve interactions between law enforcement and residents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or a communication disorder. At a press conference held at the Hunterdon County Historic Courthouse, officials unveiled newly released guidance for law enforcement and announced a license/ID notation that individuals with ASD or a communication disorder can voluntarily add to their driver’s license or non-driver ID.

License Designation and the “Pink Card”

Under a law signed in 2023 by Governor Phil Murphy, New Jersey residents with ASD or a communication disorder can request to have their official state driver’s license or non-driver ID updated to reflect their diagnosis. In doing so, they will receive:

• A special “Code 5” marking in the license’s Restrictions section, indicating ASD or a communication disorder.
• A “Pink Card” describing whether the individual has ASD, a communication disorder, or both. Drivers must keep this pink card alongside their license or ID.

This information aims to help police identify a driver’s or passenger’s needs from the outset, allowing officers to adapt communication and minimize confusion—particularly during stressful roadside interactions, traffic stops, or emergencies.

“Law enforcement encounters can be stressful for everyone involved,” said Attorney General Platkin. “The new designation for driver licenses and state IDs offers an additional way for New Jerseyans with communication challenges to express their needs. And, by helping our law enforcement officers better understand the needs of a civilian, we hope to create a more productive and safer environment for both law enforcement officers and the people with whom they interact.”

No Medical Documentation Required

To add the designation, individuals or their guardians simply:

• Visit any NJMVC Licensing Center with 6 points of ID.
• Submit an attestation of an ASD or communication disorder diagnosis (no doctor’s note required).

Once updated, the driver’s license or ID will include the “5” in the Restrictions field. This measure helps officers quickly determine if accommodations are needed, reducing any risk of escalation or misunderstanding during a traffic stop or other official interaction.

Law Enforcement Guidance

The New Jersey Department of Human Services led the effort to create clear directives for police, in partnership with the Attorney General’s Office and NJMVC, as well as advocacy groups like Autism NJ and the New Jersey Speech-Language-Hearing Association. The guidance covers:

• Legal obligations under the Americans with Disabilities Act and state disability laws.
• Best practices for communicating with individuals who have ASD or communication disorders—including potential behaviors or speech challenges.
• Strategies to reduce stress, de-escalate situations, and ensure accurate exchange of information.
• Accommodations for those who are deaf, hard of hearing, blind, or visually impaired.

“This effort aims to expand the perspectives of law enforcement officers by redefining what is considered ‘typical’ versus ‘suspicious’ behavior. Interactions improve when officers recognize and adapt to diverse communication needs, ensuring that all individuals are truly understood,” said Deputy Commissioner for Aging and Disability Services Kaylee McGuire.

Prevalence and Potential Challenges

• ASD: One of the most common developmental disabilities, affecting 1 in 35 eight-year-olds in New Jersey, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
• Communication Disorders: Range from difficulty understanding language to speech impairments and social communication barriers.
• Potential Misconceptions: Symptoms such as unusual body language, delayed speech, or seeming noncompliance can be mistaken for suspicious or defiant behavior by first responders.

Community Engagement & Stakeholder Input

In developing these initiatives, the Department of Human Services hosted a stakeholder webinar and consulted individuals with disabilities, ensuring the final guidance reflects real-world needs. The new license designation was a priority identified by self-advocates, families, and professionals who note that timely identification can prevent misunderstandings or confrontations.

Looking Ahead

Officials stress that these improvements are part of a larger push to enhance safety and equity. More resources, such as ongoing training for law enforcement and additional communication aids, may follow. Residents can learn more about the license notation process and download relevant forms at the NJMVC website. For direct services and additional guidance, contact the New Jersey Department of Human Services.