New Jersey Assembly Bill A2555

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/14/22
• Refer: 2/14/22

Caption

Permits persons who are hearing impaired to apply for vehicle identification placards.

Impact

The bill mandates that the issued placard display the international symbol of the deaf and must be attached to the vehicle as specified by the chief administrator. Notably, it does not grant parking privileges typically reserved for persons with disabilities unless the individual is otherwise qualified, meaning this bill seeks to strike a balance between recognition and the existing legal frameworks governing disability accommodations. This legislative change could positively impact the lives of hearing-impaired individuals by making their conditions more visible and understood on the road.

Summary

Assembly Bill A2555, introduced on February 14, 2022, aims to enhance accessibility for individuals with hearing impairments by allowing them to apply for a vehicle identification placard. This placard would be issued by the Chief Administrator of the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission upon application by drivers whose licenses contain a numerical code indicating their hearing impairment. The intent behind this legislation is to provide a recognized symbol aiding the public in understanding the driver’s disability, thus facilitating better accommodations in transportation contexts.

Contention

While the bill addresses an important gap in vehicle identification for the hearing-impaired community, there may be points of contention regarding the constraints it places on parking privileges. Some advocates could argue that the criteria for obtaining parking permits under the broader disabilities category still overlook the specific needs of those with hearing impairments. The implementation timeline of the bill, which is set to take effect thirteen months post-enactment, may also raise questions about how local motor vehicle agencies will handle the administrative burden of issuing new placards and whether this may inadvertently complicate existing processes.