Bill requiring notation on automobile registration indicating drivers’ hearing impairment clears committee

NEW JERSEY – Senator Steven Oroho’s legislation that would help eliminate possible confusion and tension when a deaf motorist is stopped by police was advanced by the Senate Transportation Committee Monday.

The bipartisan bill, S-665, would add a notation on vehicle registration certificate indicating the registrant is deaf.

“If a driver is struggling to follow instructions, it could trigger an unpredictable and potentially dangerous situation,” said Oroho (R-24). “This bill would relieve stress and help ensure safety for both the driver and police officers.”

Under the legislation, applicants would be issued a special registration certificate with their preference of either the international symbol for deafness or a numerical code designating deafness.

The bill was suggested to Oroho by members of the deaf community and is intended to compensate for gaps in training that fail to prepare police academy graduates for interactions with the deaf community.

“The addition of an icon signifying a hearing impairment will be obvious and helpful,” Oroho said.