Drivers Licenses & Deafness

InfamousMacBook

InfamousMacBook

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I am new to being deaf. I have only been deaf for 4 years now. I wanted to know am I supposed to have it marked on my Drivers License that I am deaf in case I get pulled over? I wasn't sure. I was pulled over a year or so ago and didn't have the courage to ask if it was illegal for it not to be on my drivers license. Since I only wear my hearing aid on the right side he never saw and I gave appropriate responses I think. All this is so confusing and I tried to look on the department of motor vehicle website for the state of Texas.
 
In Illinois, there is a "J88" lettering that identifies a person as being deaf. I'd imagine that Texas and other states have similar thing like this. The best luck, enjoy driving!!
 
Delaware provides a placard for us to carry in our car so we can show it to the officer when they approach our cars. I'm not aware of any designation on our driver's license.
 
Ok, well when I renew my license in October I will ask what to do for Texas. My audiologist just gives me funny looks when I inquire about things I guess I should know.
 
Florida has no notations that I know of. I have nothing on my license except that I require both outside mirrors and "a working rear-view mirror".
 
South Carolina requires two outside mirrors.
 
I just got a new license a couple months ago and it never asked if I was "hearing impaired" before but now it did, the lady told me if I am i need to put it on there, NOW its in bright red letters on there. haha
 
Minnesota requires the outside mirrors so I have that notation on the back of mine.

One time recently I was carded by the bouncers at a bar and when they glanced at the back they did a double-take. I asked why and they said they weren't used to seeing any notations on the back. So apparently not many other notations are used, at least not on the back.
 
Reba said:
South Carolina requires two outside mirrors.
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Aren't all cars equipped with them anyway? I believe they are required here in Ontario for everyone, not just the deaf.
 
Banjo said:
Aren't all cars equipped with them anyway? I believe they are required here in Ontario for everyone, not just the deaf.
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Not all. Some older basic cars might not have a passenger side outside mirror. I think my mom's '85 Toyota Tercel was like that.
 
Banjo said:
Aren't all cars equipped with them anyway? I believe they are required here in Ontario for everyone, not just the deaf.
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Most are now but I guess you're too young to remember when two mirrors weren't standard equipment. I remember them. :giggle:

I have a deaf friend who first got his license about 24 years ago. I remember his family had to add a mirror to one their vehicles because it didn't come with two.

The requirement also means that if one of your mirrors has broken or fallen off, you can't drive that vehicle if you have the special notation on your license.
 
Banjo said:
Aren't all cars equipped with them anyway? I believe they are required here in Ontario for everyone, not just the deaf.
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I think only the very old cars might not, so a car would have to be fitted with both. But here, even if a vehicle has both, which it should, neither can be broken or missing. Funnily enough, in Minnesota, the same law applies to every driver.
 
When I was a kid, Dad had a 1977 Impala wagon and a 1978 Malibu wagon that did not have passengers side mirror. My Mom's 1977 Fairmont 4 door sedan did have passengers side mirror. That is the way it was back then. Not today.
 
That's really strange. Of all people, your audi should be up on legal issues like that.

That said, I've never heard of any requirement to put a designation about your hearing on your license.


InfamousMacBook said:
Ok, well when I renew my license in October I will ask what to do for Texas. My audiologist just gives me funny looks when I inquire about things I guess I should know.
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Looks like I spoke too soon, and some states do have that designation.

Both my cars have double mirrors, so no problem there.
 
candybrowneyes said:
I just got a new license a couple months ago and it never asked if I was "hearing impaired" before but now it did, the lady told me if I am i need to put it on there, NOW its in bright red letters on there. haha
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You're in Iowa? I wonder if that is going to become more wide-spread. I don't think we have to in Virginia; I've never been asked about it, anyway.
 
I'm aware of the fact that the older models didn't have side mirrors, although I was really referring to most of the motor vehicles currently on the road these days. I know there are a lot of old cars still running, but they are dwindling in numbers these days.
 
Yep, I remember that years ago. Now it is moot point as after 80's almost all cars comes in with full set of mirrors. I still remember cars that had mirror attached only on drivers side, none on passenger side. Times sure changed.

I wouldn't care if "Deaf" is on my drivers license. I don't want to advertise anyone. Cops never had issue with me being Deaf. Guess too many Deafies here were stopped by cops, and they got used to it. Be aware some of them can sign.

Reba said:
Most are now but I guess you're too young to remember when two mirrors weren't standard equipment. I remember them. :giggle:
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woot! that's 70ish.

believe it or not 60's or earlier seat belt is optional

Before 1997, Air bag is optional.

dereksbicycles said:
When I was a kid, Dad had a 1977 Impala wagon and a 1978 Malibu wagon that did not have passengers side mirror. My Mom's 1977 Fairmont 4 door sedan did have passengers side mirror. That is the way it was back then. Not today.
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Banjo said:
I'm aware of the fact that the older models didn't have side mirrors, although I was really referring to most of the motor vehicles currently on the road these days. I know there are a lot of old cars still running, but they are dwindling in numbers these days.
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Oh, I didn't mean older models like Model T's, etc. I meant even some in late 70's or 80's which are STILL running on the roads, :lol: I think you and I meant the same thing. :)
 
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