Texas Driving with Disability Program
The Texas Driving with Disability Program focuses on improving the interaction between law enforcement and drivers with disabilities that have unique communication needs.
Components to the Texas Driving with Disability Program
Communication Impediment on Driver License & State ID
Communication Impediment with a Peace Officer is an optional indicator offered on Texas State ID and Driver License for those wanting to alert law enforcement of a challenge with communication. Ask your doctor to complete Form DL-101 and present it at the driver license office. "Communication Impediment" will appear on the front of your card.
Communication Impediment in Vehicle Registration
The Texas Law Enforcement Telecommunication System (TLETS) provides authorized law enforcement personnel with query access to the Texas Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) registration system. Returns of vehicle and driver information are presented through authorized TLETS terminals. The option for disclosure of a communication disability/impediment when registering a vehicle through the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles. Communication Impediment or Deaf/Hard of Hearing will then be privately placed in TLETS thus alerting the officer of communication need prior to approaching the vehicle in a pull-over scenario. There are two forms that are available:
Form VTR-215 Deaf Driver Awareness (with specialty license plate)
Form VTR-216 Communication Impediment (without specialty license plate)
An approved medical provider will need to complete your preferred form. Present the completed form when you register or update your vehicle with Texas DMV.
What diagnosis is considered a "Communication Impediment" under the Texas Driving with Disability Program?
Autism (including Asperger Syndrome)
Mild Intellectual Disability
Down Syndrome
Parkinson’s Disease
Speech and Language Disorders (mutism, stuttering, speech delay Aphasia and Spasmodic Dysphonia)
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Brain Injury
Cerebral Palsy
Deaf
Hard of Hearing