NC Governor Signs Bill Allowing Deaf & HoH to Designate Hearing Status On Driver’s License

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August 2, 2017

RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA — Late last week, North Carolina governor Roy Cooper signed a bill into law that allows people that are deaf and hard of hearing to have a symbol placed on their driver’s license that designates their hearing challenges.

The bill, which unanimously passed both the state House and Senate, would allow for a special voluntary numeric and electronic designation on state driver’s licenses that would indicate that the motorist is deaf or hard of hearing. This designation would be accessible to law enforcement officers in their official vehicles.
 
 

Law to Take Effect January 1, 2018

 

The legislation, which will take effect on January 1st, was proposed 10 days following the tragic shooting death of a deaf driver in Charlotte, North Carolina, by a state trooper last August. In addition to the voluntary designation option for deaf and hard of hearing motorists, the bill also helps establish minimum educational and training standards for criminal justice officers for interacting with a motorist who is deaf or hard of hearing.

 

nc governor cooper signs deaf license bill

North Carolina governor, Roy Cooper, signs HB 84 into law

 

Advocates hope that the additional police training, along with the voluntary license designation, will help prevent future tragedies due to communication breakdowns and misunderstandings.

 

Source: WFAE, JournalNow

 

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