Drivers could add a communication impairment symbol to licenses

Drivers could apply to the Department of Transportation for a communication impairment designation. The condition must be one that may impede communication with an officer during a traffic stop, such as deafness, autism, or a diagnosed speech impediment. A qualified medical professional must attest to the impairment, and the driver must voluntarily authorize disclosure to the department and law enforcement. Drivers may choose to provide emergency contact information, and the department must validate each application. The proposal would take effect 60 days after enactment.

The department would put a standard symbol on designated drivers’ licenses or ID cards and share limited records with Pennsylvania law enforcement. The symbol would appear on the front of a license or ID card for a person with an approved designation; records would be shared through existing networks accessible during traffic stops. The symbol must not reveal a specific health condition. Shared records may include the designation and emergency contact details, but not specific medical details. The records would not be public under Pennsylvania’s Right-to-Know Law. The proposal would take effect 60 days after enactment.

The department could deny, cancel, or revoke a designation, and drivers could ask to remove one. These rules apply to people who apply for or hold a designation; the penalties and possible discipline also apply to medical professionals who knowingly falsify application information. The department could act if it finds that the designation was obtained by fraud or knowingly used to avoid a lawful police order. It must give written notice and instructions for challenging its decision. Drivers must request an informal hearing within 30 days after notice; it must be held within 30 days after the request. A driver may request a formal hearing within 30 days after the informal decision. Knowingly false application statements could bring a penalty. Knowingly claiming an impairment to avoid a lawful order could bring an obstruction penalty; medical professionals who knowingly falsify information could also face penalties or licensing discipline. A driver may ask to remove the designation at any time and may ask the department to keep emergency contact information. Adding or removing a designation or emergency contact information would be free, but regular renewal or replacement license and ID fees would still apply. A driver has 30 days after notice to request an informal hearing and 30 days after that decision to request a formal hearing.