NC H77

Division of Motor Vehicles shall develop an optional autism spectrum disorder designation for driver's licenses upon request, in consultation with the Department of Public Safety, Division of Mental Health/Developmental Disabilities/Substance Abuse Services, and State Highway Patrol.

Persons requesting the designation must provide verification of an autism spectrum disorder diagnosis from a medical, health, or mental health professional, or other documentation deemed acceptable by the Division of Motor Vehicles.

Collected information is restricted to law enforcement use only for ensuring safe interactions with persons with autism spectrum disorder and cannot be accessed or used for any other purpose.

Registration in the program is entirely voluntary, and individuals retain the right to request removal of the designation at any time through online, mail, or in-person processes.

Criminal justice officers must receive minimum training standards on recognizing and appropriately interacting with persons with autism spectrum disorder and understanding that the designation is optional; effective January 1, 2024.