Have you experienced a communication breakdown? 

Deaf, DeafBlind and Hard of Hearing State Services developed the traffic stop communication card to help police, state patrol and sheriffs and people who are deaf or hard of hearing communicate during traffic stops. If you encounter someone who isn’t responding to your commands, tells you they are deaf or hard of hearing or gestures that they cannot hear, show them this card.

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

• The best way to communicate with them as a person with hearing loss. For example, using a speech to text app, writing, texting or lip reading.
• What information you need from them, such as their driver’s license, insurance card or permit to carry.
• The issues they are experiencing. For example, if they have a flat tire, are lost, ran out of gas or need a tow.
• What specific violations were committed, such as speeding, running a red light, etc.
• What will happen next. For example, you are issuing a warning, ticket or placing them under arrest.

Instructions and a list of all the icons and what they mean is included with the card. 

If they are arrested or need to come in for questioning or an interview, explain to them that a qualified sign language interpreter or real-time captioning will be provided depending on what they need. 

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 and other topics related to working with people with hearing loss please contact us.