ISELIN, N.J. — People diagnosed with autism, hearing or other impairments can now have their condition noted on their driver’s license to help avoid misunderstandings with police during traffic stops and other encounters.

The program, which is voluntary, allows drivers to have a notation on their driver’s license or opt for a pink card to hand to police. It was announced by state officials and autism advocates at a press conference in Hunterdon County last month.

“It’s rolling out today and it’s completely voluntary,” said Suzanne Buchanan, Autism New Jersey executive director in an interview.

The concept provides added peace of mind for Kelly Milazzo of Stewartsville when her son Will, drives. He has been diagnosed with autism.

“He’s been driving for about five years, I always had concern how he’d handle it if he got pulled over,” she said in an interview. “How would police officers respond if Will wasn’t immediately answering questions or became agitated?”

The new program alerts officers upfront and provides education for police on how to interact with people with autism and those with hearing issues or other impairments.

The notation appears as the number 5 in the restrictions section on a driver’s license or state issued ID card. The MVC also will issue the person a Code 5 Description Card or “Pink Card” that they must carry with their license or ID.

The “Pink Card” indicates if the person has autism, a communication disorder, or both.

“There is education that goes with it, which is important and appreciated from the parent side,” Milazzo said.

“Anytime someone is dealing with law enforcement, first impressions are critical,” Buchanan said. “Handing that card and a license with a notation, you’re saying, something is different, and a different approach might be needed here.”

Providing that information first is important because an officer has to assess if a person is doing something suspicious or unusual and why, she said.

Because of their diagnosis, individuals with autism may not make eye contact, or talk too fast or too slow, she said.

“They may not follow direct orders, and they may be having a heightened stress response,” Buchanan said. “All of these things can be misperceived as someone who is under the influence or engaged in suspicious activity.”

Milazzo said it is a parent’s fear that there is a misunderstanding in a stressful interaction with an individual with autism that causes it to go bad, which can and has happened.

“I really like having the driver’s license identifier because a police officer will instantly know,” she said. “It’s important for our first responders to understand people with special needs may need extra time and extra patience.”

Autism New Jersey worked with the state Attorney General’s office, Health and Human Services office and Motor Vehicle Commission during the past year to craft the procedures and offer guidance on how to communicate and navigate encounters with individuals with autism, said Cassidy Grom, an Autism New Jersey spokesperson.

People with autism or a communication issue can request to have their license updated at any state Motor Vehicle Commission licensing Center.

Individuals will need to bring the 6 points of ID required for a license and fill out an application form. Teen drivers will need to have their parent or guardian attest to their diagnosis. No medical documentation is required.

New Jersey joins about 12 other states that offer similar driver’s license notations.

“This has been a long time coming and I appreciate the efforts of Autism New Jersey,” Milazzo said.

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