TUCSON, Ariz. (13 News) – Arizona drivers can now add a personal message to their motor vehicle record to alert law enforcement of communication challenges before an officer approaches their window during a traffic stop.
The Arizona Department of Transportation launched the feature through the MVD portal. Drivers log in, click on “Accommodations,” and type up to 500 characters describing anything that may affect the interaction — including neurodivergent conditions, language barriers, or other communication needs. When an officer runs a license plate during a stop, the message appears on their screen before they exit their vehicle.
“You got 500 characters that describes whatever it is that might stress you in that situation, whether it’s flashing lights, whether it’s obviously autism, so anyone on the spectrum, any kind of reaction that might hinder that communication process is a great alert to at least start the conversation,” said Bill Lamoreaux of the Arizona Department of Transportation…