WashingtonWashington offers free envelopes to support clearer traffic stops
Drivers and passengers with a disability or condition that could affect a traffic stop can get a free envelope with safety tips, officer guidance, and information about vehicle papers.
What it does
The Department of Licensing runs a voluntary program offering free blue envelopes at driver licensing offices to drivers and passengers whose disability or condition could affect a traffic stop. Envelopes include safety tips, guidance for officers, and information about keeping vehicle papers inside.
The department keeps clear, accessible information and resources about the program online.
Argument forDrivers and officers could communicate more clearly when an envelope shares safety tips, officer guidance, and a place for vehicle papers.
Argument againstSome drivers might not want to carry an envelope that signals a disability or condition during a traffic stop.
More detail
The Department of Licensing develops a blue-envelope program and allows eligible people to get an envelope at no cost from any driver licensing office in Washington. The program is for vehicle operators and passengers with a disability or condition that could affect how they interact with law enforcement during a traffic stop. The definition of neurodiverse includes autism, ADHD, and related or similar conditions. The program is voluntary. The law took effect June 11, 2026.
The Department of Licensing maintains clear, accessible program information and resources on an existing web page or website. The information covers the blue-envelope program.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- Mar 18Effective date 6/11/2026.Latest
- Mar 18Chapter 90, 2026 Laws.Major
- Mar 18Governor Bob Ferguson signed.Became Law
- Mar 12Delivered to Governor.To Governor
- Mar 11President signed.Passed Senate
- Mar 11Speaker signed.Passed House
- Mar 6Third reading, passed; yeas, 47; nays, 0; absent, 0; excused, 2.Minor
- Vote recorded 3rd Reading & Final Passage (#16). Result: pass.Upper
- Mar 6Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.Minor
- Mar 3Placed on second reading by Rules Committee.Minor
- Mar 2Passed to Rules Committee for second reading.
- Mar 2TRAN - Majority; do pass.Minor
- Mar 2Executive action taken in the Senate Committee on Transportation at 1:30 PM.
- Feb 27Public hearing in the Senate Committee on Transportation at 2:30 PM.
- Feb 18First reading, referred to Transportation.Minor
- Feb 16Third reading, passed; yeas, 92; nays, 1; absent, 0; excused, 5.Minor
- Vote recorded 3rd Reading & Final Passage (#12). Result: pass.Lower
- Feb 16Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.Minor
- Feb 161st substitute bill substituted (TR 26).Major
- Feb 12Rules Committee relieved of further consideration. Placed on second reading.Minor
- Feb 3Referred to Rules 2 Review.Minor
- Jan 28TR - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass.Major
- Jan 28Executive action taken in the House Committee on Transportation at 4:00 PM.
- Jan 19Public hearing in the House Committee on Transportation at 4:00 PM.
- Jan 12First reading, referred to Transportation.Minor
- Jan 8Prefiled for introduction.Introduced
Disability RightsPublic Safety