Blue envelope is an important signal to law enforcement in VT

Getting stopped by a law enforcement officer while driving can be anxiety inducing and can often be more stressful for someone with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The Blue Envelope Program aims to make traffic stops more comfortable for both law enforcement and individuals with ASD who find themselves involved in routine traffic stops.

The program is simple, yet extremely effective, in creating a safe experience for individuals with ASD. It involves a driver requesting a blue envelope from their local police department either in person or online, to hold their important documents, including a copy of the driver’s license, registration, proof of insurance, and contact info for a chosen support person or people.

The envelope is kept in the driver’s car at all times and signals to law enforcement that the driver has ASD and that an adapted communication style may be necessary. This simple envelope can enhance understanding of ASD, reduce anxiety for drivers with ASD, provide important information for officers who may not be familiar with ASD, and may increase confidence and feelings of preparedness for drivers with ASD.

The Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles recommends clipping the blue envelope to the driver’s side sun visor so that it is visible to an officer during a traffic stop—it is a nonverbal signal to an officer during a traffic stop.

The Blue Envelope Program started in Arizona and Massachusetts and is gaining traction in other parts of the country, including Vermont. Development of Vermont’s program was made possible by a partnership between the Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles and the University of Vermont Autism Collaborative.

For more information about Vermont’s Blue Envelope Program, please visit the link: dmv.vermont.gov/blueenvelope.