DRIVERS will be able to take advantage of a new program that could prove useful particularly in difficult situations.
And, road users will not have to fork out any extra costs in order to benefit.
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A number of states across the US have an initiative that’s known as the Blue Envelope program.
The program, which came into force in one state on July 1, is designed to benefit drivers who have autism.
Sometimes, they might encounter difficulties when trying to communicate with cops.
A blue envelope will instantly provide a signal to a police officer.
If stopped by a cop, drivers must show their license and the blue envelope.
Under the terms of Virginia’s Blue Envelope program, drivers must put two cards inside the envelope and their contact information.
The cards they must include relate to the vehicle registration and its insurance.
Drivers must declare if they are verbal or non-verbal, according to the state’s Department of Motor Vehicles.
There is a box on the envelope to declare this critical information.
Bosses have revealed the four goals of the program.
They hope it will enhance understanding between Virginia cops and drivers.
It’s also designed to reduce anxiety for drivers and improve communication.
Virginia officials also revealed it will help make drivers more prepared.
This is because driving documents will be all together in an envelope.
Drivers can get their blue envelope free of charge from the DMV.
And, they don’t need to prove they have autism.
Drivers can also request several envelopes and they are free to replace.
Virginia officials have explained how drivers with blue envelopes should communicate with cops.
If they are stopped, they should pull over in a safe place.
What is the blue envelope program?
DRIVERS in Virginia can request what’s known as a blue envelope. It’s designed to help drivers in difficult situations.
- The envelope is free of charge.
- It provides a signal to a cop that they have autism.
- The program is designed to reduce drivers anxiety.
- It will also make them more prepared, and it will help improve communication between drivers and law enforcement.
- Drivers can request additional envelopes.
Their hands should be firmly on the steering wheel and they should roll down their window.
The driver should tell the cop that they have a blue envelope before proceeding to hand over the necessary documents.
Drivers shouldn’t panic if a cop isn’t familiar with the blue envelope.
“This helps me communicate,” a blue envelope holder could tell an officer, according to the Virginia DMV.
But, drivers are warned that having a blue envelope doesn’t mean they are immune from receiving a ticket.
It is a relatively new concept. A pilot program was rolled out in Connecticut in 2020.
The list of the states that offer a Blue Envelope program has increased over time.
Virginia is the latest state to roll out the blue envelope program.
Counties across Arizona, Vermont, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania and Massachusetts also have their own blue envelope programs.
A Blue Envelope program is also open to drivers across San Bernardino, California.
Drivers do not have to pay a fee or register to receive a blue envelope.
