NC H581

Division of Motor Vehicles shall develop an optional drivers license designation for individuals with autism spectrum disorder, in consultation with Department of Public Safety, Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Substance Abuse Services, and State Highway Patrol.

Designation shall be entered into electronic motor vehicle records upon request of a person with autism spectrum disorder who provides acceptable verification, including professional documentation, notarized affidavit, or other documentation deemed satisfactory by DMV.

Information collected under this designation is only available to law enforcement for ensuring safe interactions with persons with autism spectrum disorder and cannot be used for any other purpose.

Participation in the designation program is entirely voluntary, with the license holder having sole authority to add or remove the designation, and non-participation does not waive any legal protections.

Criminal justice officer training standards must include recognizing and appropriately interacting with persons with autism spectrum disorder and information that driver identifiers are optional; effective January 1, 2022.