Virginia Law

The Department shall develop and implement a program for the promotion, printing, and distribution of envelopes for use by drivers diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, as that term is defined in § 38.2-3418.17, to provide to a law-enforcement officer for the purpose of easing communication during a traffic stop or upon such law-enforcement officer's arrival at the scene of a traffic accident. Such envelope may (i) clearly state that the driver has been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder and have printed directions for law-enforcement officers on best practices for interacting with such driver; (ii) provide space for more information to be written about the driver's communication needs; (iii) be of a sufficient size to fit a vehicle registration card, vehicle insurance card, and emergency contact information; and (iv) have printed directions instructing the driver to place his proof of vehicle registration and insurance in the envelope and provide such envelope and his driver's license to law enforcement if he is ever involved in a traffic stop or traffic accident.

The Department shall not collect or store information identifying any person who has requested or received such envelope, except any information necessary to distribute such envelope to the requestor. No such information shall be stored in any form after the distribution of such envelope is complete.

Nothing herein shall require the Department to verify any information provided on the envelope. No action taken by any person, whether private citizen or public officer or employee, with regard to any information provided on the envelope shall create a warranty of the reliability or accuracy of the document, nor shall it create any liability on the part of the Commonwealth or of any department, office, or agency or of any officer, employee, or agent thereof.

2025, c. 665.