A new state law will help police officers better communicate with autistic drivers and passengers should they be pulled over.

The Blue Envelope Program, signed into law in late June, is a free and simple tool for drivers, passengers and law enforcement. According to the ARC of Massachusetts, the Blue Envelope is designed to hold a driver's license, registration and an emergency contact card. It can be placed on the driver's side sun visor and handed to a police officer in the event of a traffic stop.

"The Blue Envelope Program is designed to improve communication between officers and drivers on the spectrum. It is not a get-out-of-jail-free card, but still a helpful tool to facilitate accessible communication, understanding and make the lives of drivers with ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) safer on the road," said Dominic Zullo, a Norfolk resident and autism advocate who helped get the law passed.

According to the Mayo Clinic, "ASD is a condition related to brain development that affects how people see others and socialize with them. This causes problems in communication and getting along with others socially. The condition also includes limited and repeated patterns of behavior. The term 'spectrum' in autism spectrum disorder refers to the wide range of symptoms and the severity of these symptoms."

According to a MassLive article from January 2024, Zullo, who is autistic, was involved in an accident back in 2022. A Mass. state trooper approached Zullo and spoke calmly, assuring Zullo that he did nothing wrong. "He helped me get through the situation," said Zullo.

Zullo graduated from Bridgewater State University in May; he majored in communication sciences and disorders, with a minor in music. In an article published by BSU in 2025, Zullo said that the university "has provided me opportunities to step up as a leader and make a difference in the lives of so many people and also make BSU a more accessible place for people of all abilities."

He is currently an intern at the Neurodiversity Alliance, a nonprofit organization founded by and for students who learn differently. He also continues to be a disability advocate at the State House.

Praise from local officers

Authorities in Norfolk and Wrentham praised the passage of the law, and commended Zullo for his role in getting this law on the books. Zullo recently visited both police departments to lead a training in the new program.

"Training opportunities like the one led by Dominic Zullo help our officers continue learning from the community we serve," said Norfolk Police Chief Jim Barrett. "This program reflects the Norfolk Police Department's commitment to treating every person with dignity, recognizing individual differences, and building trust with our diverse community."

"Mr. Zullo has been instrumental in advocating for the Blue Envelope Program and legislation supporting its implementation in Massachusetts," said Wrentham's deputy police chief, Derick Cassidy. "His efforts have included advocating for the program at the Massachusetts State House and working to increase awareness of its benefits among law enforcement and the community."

Cassidy, whose youngest son is on the autism spectrum, has met Zullo several times. "We have shaken hands and engaged in meaningful conversations. He's an endearing young man," he said.

"The Blue Envelope Program to me is more than just a program," said Zullo. "Between improving communication between drivers with ASD and police officers and creating better connections in our community, it will make the lives of so many people with ASD safer on the road, whether they drive or not.

"Visiting local police departments was a very eye-opening experience, not just hearing about their experiences with the Blue Envelope Program, but also the personal experiences with family members/friends with ASD and encounters with people with ASD on the road. Most of all, some of them (like Norfolk and Wrentham) have started doing outreach in their communities and have helped me get involved with other local departments, which I'm very excited about," he added.

What Is a Blue Envelope?

Signed into law by Governor Maura Healey on June 25, the Blue Envelope Program is designed to ease communication between individuals with autism and law enforcement.

Individuals with autism or their parent/guardian can request a Blue Envelope. The outside of the envelope includes communication guidelines tailored to help law enforcement recognize that the driver or passenger has autism and shift their approach to ensure a safe and successful interaction.

If the driver of the vehicle would like to identify that there is a passenger with autism, they can write "Passenger Has Autism" on the Blue Envelope.

Those interested in obtaining a Blue Envelope may request one by visiting a local police station (call or email your local station to make sure they have them), State Police barracks and the Registry of Motor Vehicles. They are also available via https://www.mass.gov/forms/request-a-blue-envelope.

"I cannot stress to you the importance of this law," said Ryan Roettger, the director of the Autism and Law Enforcement Education Coalition for Lifeworks, which is based in Westwood. "This law will accomplish its objective by leading to more positive outcomes and greater community support for the families that fear this inevitable interaction.

"I couldn't be happier that this law has passed, and I thank all the legislators across the state who worked diligently to get this across the finish line," he said.

"I'm so excited that this program is finally law in Massachusetts and can't wait to see what the future holds," said Zullo.

The passage of the Blue Envelope Program followed years of advocacy led by The Arc of Massachusetts and Advocates for Autism of Massachusetts, in partnership with the Massachusetts State Police and the Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Association.

"We believe this is another wonderful tool on our tool belt and demonstrates our commitment to working with all members of our community to be the best police agency we can be," said Chief Barrett.

"The Blue Envelope can help reduce anxiety for individuals with autism while providing officers with valuable information to facilitate clear, effective, and respectful communication. This can ultimately lead to safer and more positive interactions for both the individual and the responding officer," said Cassidy.

The ARC of Massachusetts, which provided additional information for this article, helps enhance the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, as well as autism. The organization advocates for community support and services that foster social inclusion, self-determination and equity across all aspects of society. For details, go to https://thearcofmass.org.