Have you worried about communicating with law enforcement if you are pulled over or in an accident? 

Deaf, DeafBlind and Hard of Hearing State Services developed the traffic stop communication card to help people who are deaf or hard of hearing communicate with police, state patrol and sheriffs during traffic stops. 

If you are pulled over, explain that you are deaf or hard of hearing, using gestures or your voice, and ask to show them this card. It is CRITICAL for everyone’s safety that you wait for permission before you reach for anything. 

Point to icons on the card to help you communicate about: 

• The best way to communicate with you as a person who is deaf or hard of hearing. For example, using a speech to text app, writing, texting or lip reading. 
• What information the officer needs from you, such as your driver’s license, insurance card or permit to carry a gun. 
• What issue you are experiencing. For example, you have a flat tire, you are lost, out of gas or need a tow. 
• What you did wrong, such as you were speeding, ran a red light, etc. 
• What will happen next. For example, if the officer will issue you a warning, ticket or if you are under arrest. 

Instructions and a list of all the icons and what they mean is included with the card. If you are arrested or need to come in for questions or an interview, let them know whether you need a qualified sign language interpreter or real-time captioning. 

State Services worked with the Department of Public Safety and deaf and hard of hearing Minnesotans to develop the communication card. 

You can print the traffic stop communication card from our website, where you’ll also find additional resources. To request printed copies of this traffic stop card or free training on using this card, please contact us.