HawaiiDeaf drivers could add a marker to vehicle registrations
Starting January 1, 2027, deaf vehicle owners could apply for a registration marker that alerts law enforcement when officers check vehicle information.
What it does
Deaf vehicle owners could ask their county to mark their registration so officers see a deafness alert when they check vehicle information. Other access to the marker is restricted as required by law.
Argument forOfficers could see that an owner is deaf during a vehicle check, which may reduce confusion during a traffic stop.
Argument againstA deafness marker visible to law enforcement could reveal private information during vehicle checks, though access is otherwise restricted by law.
More detail
County finance directors would add a deafness marker to a motor vehicle’s registration when its deaf owner applies. This applies to motor vehicle owners whose better ear has an average hearing loss of at least 41 decibels in speech frequencies from 500 to 2,000 Hertz. The owner must apply. A licensed audiologist or qualified ear, nose, and throat doctor must certify the deafness. The county must restrict access to the marker as required by law, except that law enforcement can see it. The act takes effect January 1, 2027.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Adopted
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- Jul 15Received.Introduced
Disability RightsPublic SafetyNational Security