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

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Carol Murphy

NJ bill creates a free windshield placard for drivers with a hearing-impairment code on their license, but does not grant disability parking privileges.

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Transportation and Independent Authorities Committee

Summary of Bill A 5072 (Session 222) – New Jersey

Purpose and intent

Establishes a program allowing individuals who have been issued a New Jersey driver’s license with a numerical code identifying hearing impairment to obtain a corresponding windshield placard.

The placard is intended for use on a vehicle owned or operated by the applicant and would display the international symbol of the deaf.

The bill aims to recognize hearing impairment for identification purposes in parking-related contexts, while still requiring eligibility for disability parking privileges to access reserved spots.

Key provisions and changes

Eligibility and issuance

Applies to any person who has a driver’s license with a numerical code designating hearing impairment, as listed under section 1 of P.L.1983, ch. 493 (C.39:3-11a).
The Chief Administrator of the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) would issue a corresponding windshield placard upon application.
The placard is to be displayed in the vehicle, in a location and manner determined by the MVC chief administrator.

Fees

The windshield placard would be issued at no charge (no fee for the placard).

Limitations on parking privileges

The possession or display of the windshield placard does not, by itself, grant access to parking privileges reserved for persons with disabilities.
An individual must otherwise be eligible and hold a placard issued under the disability parking program established by P.L.1949, c.280 (C.39:4-204 et seq.) to use designated disability parking spaces.

Effective date and implementation

The act would take effect on the first day of the thirteenth month after enactment.
The MVC chief administrator may take administrative action in advance to ensure timely implementation.

Who would be affected

Primary beneficiaries

Drivers and vehicle owners who have a NJ driver’s license with a numerical code indicating hearing impairment.
These individuals would be eligible to obtain a free windshield placard for use in their vehicles.

Broader impact

Clarifies that the placard acknowledges hearing impairment for vehicle identification purposes but does not automatically grant or expand access to official disability parking privileges.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Introduction and referral

Introduced May 14, 2026.
Referred to Assembly Transportation and Independent Authorities Committee.

Implementation timeline

Effective date: first day of the thirteenth month after enactment.
Administrative actions by the MVC can occur in advance to facilitate timely rollout.

Considerations for readers

The bill creates a distinct identification placard for hearing impairment that travels with the vehicle, free of charge, but it does not alter eligibility requirements for disability parking spaces.

It aligns vehicle identification with a specific disability category (hearing impairment) while maintaining existing parking privilege criteria separate from placard issuance.

If you hold a license with a hearing-impairment code, you would apply through the MVC for the placard; your eligibility for disability parking remains governed by current laws and regulations beyond this placard program.