By Bob Katzen
Gov. Maura Healey launched the statewide Blue Envelope Program, a free and voluntary program designed to support safer, more effective communication between law enforcement officers and people with autism spectrum disorder during traffic stops.
In June, the Legislature approved and Gov. Healey signed into law this legislation establishing the statewide program. This program was adopted by the Massachusetts State Police in 2024 but was not an actual law until passage of this legislation.
The measure, dubbed the “Blue Envelope Program,” would create a program giving people with autism the option to be given a special blue envelope that holds the person’s driver’s license and vehicle registration. On the outside of the envelope there would be written information and guidance regarding ways to enhance effective communication between a police officer and a person with autism. The envelope must also include instructions for access to the envelope, including attaching it to the sun visor on the driver’s side of the vehicle. The bill is designed to enable the driver to quickly and easily hand the envelope to a police officer during a traffic stop.
Blue Envelopes are now available at all Registry of Motor Vehicles Service Centers, participating AAA locations and through an online mail request form at https://www.mass.gov/forms/request-a-blue-envelope.
“People with autism and their families deserve to feel safe and understood when they interact with law enforcement,” said Healey. “By helping residents communicate their needs and giving officers useful guidance, the Blue Envelope can prevent misunderstandings and make traffic stops safer for everyone. I’m grateful to our police officers for their partnership and commitment to making this program work across Massachusetts.”
“The Blue Envelope Program continues the commonwealth’s longstanding commitment to foster trust and supports successful interactions with members of the autism community,” said Public Safety and Security Secretary Gina Kwon. “Raising awareness of this important communication tool will continue to build trust between law enforcement and our neighbors within this important community.”
“The Blue Envelope Program is a practical and meaningful way to foster safer and more effective interactions between law enforcement and individuals with autism,” said Interim Secretary of Transportation and MBTA General Manager Phillip Eng. “By making these envelopes widely available through the RMV, AAA locations and an online request process, we are helping individuals and families feel more prepared and confident while giving officers useful information that they can use to support positive interactions and outcomes.”
“The Blue Envelope Program provides a supportive tool for individuals with autism to communicate with law enforcement, creating more understanding and making traffic stops safer for them,” said Registrar of Motor Vehicles Colleen Ogilvie. “We’re pleased to take this innovative program piloted by the Massachusetts State Police and make it available statewide in support of our ongoing efforts to make RMV services accessible and inclusive to all residents.”