In Arizona, and in some other states, the Department of Transportation has the Blue Envelope Program.

According to the Arizona Department of Transportation, Motor Vehicle Division:

• The Blue Envelope Program helps residents with autism communicate more effectively with law enforcement during traffic stops. This free, voluntary program creates safer interactions for everyone involved.

• The Blue Envelope gives you a simple way to store your vehicle registration and insurance while letting officers know that you may respond differently during a traffic stop. The envelope includes helpful instructions for both you and the officer to guide communication, reduce stress, and promote everyone's safety.

• Important: This program is completely voluntary and confidential. Neither MVD nor law enforcement keeps records or databases of participants.

This program is intended for autistic drivers. One side of the envelope features directions for the driver, which includes reminders of documents to store inside the envelope during a traffic stop and important safety tips. The back side of the envelope alerts the officer that the driver has a diagnosis of autism and provides tips for the officers.

Can parents use the Blue Envelope? Some parents and caregivers of autistic individuals have also found the envelope beneficial. We asked a local Phoenix police officer his thoughts on this, and he said while the program is intended for autistic drivers, he was 100% okay with parents and caregivers using the envelope if they felt it would help facilitate their interaction with law enforcement.

Where can I get a Blue Envelope? The Blue Envelope is available at MVD offices. Please note that if you go to your local MVD office, you may have to wait in line and speak to an MVD employee to request the envelope. I personally tried to get one at my local office and was unable to “grab and go.”

The Blue Envelope may also be found at your local police department office and on-site at participating community partner organizations. Click the button below to learn more about the program and to find out where you can pick up an envelope!

Thank you to the Arizona Department of Transportation, Motor Vehicle Division for supporting and collaborating with the autism community!