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

This bill (S 2431) allows people with hearing impairments - specifically those holding a driver’s license with a designated hearing-impairment code - to apply for a free vehicle identification placard. The placard must display the international deaf symbol and be displayed per the Motor Vehicle Commission’s rules, but it does not grant access to disability parking unless the person also holds a separate disability placard. The bill explicitly states that using this placard will not result in citations or fines for improper display, and it clarifies that the placard does not confer disability parking privileges. The measure is pending in the Senate Transportation Committee after introduction on January 29, 2024.