What happens when the driver cannot hear?
A traffic officer stops a vehicle and uses a loud speaker to ask the driver to get out of the car. The driver, who is deaf, does not hear the officer's request. The officer thinks the driver is being uncooperative and possibly dangerous.

Unfortunately, misunderstandings like this one can occur. What happens when the driver can't hear?

Safety Communication Visor Program
To avoid such misunderstandings, the Kansas Legislature authorized the Kansas Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing to provide Safety Communication Visors for vehicles regularly driven by persons who are deaf or hard of hearing. The purpose of the visor is to help avoid communication problems for persons who are deaf or hard of hearing by assisting law enforcement officers or emergency response personnel to quickly identify drivers who are deaf or hard of hearing. When law enforcement officers or emergency personnel see the visor displayed, they will be alerted to the possibility that special communication with the driver may be needed.

Photograph of the front of the visor.

Photograph of the back of the visor.

Voluntary and confidential
This Safety Communication Visor program is strictly voluntary. A driver who is deaf or hard of hearing should get a visor only if he or she wants to use it. To protect visor users, the general public will not have access to the visor.

How to get a visor
You may obtain a visor by completing the application form. This form requires proof of deafness or hearing impairment. There is a $5.00 fee per visor. Under normal use, visors are expected to last several years. A worn visor may be replaced for a $5.00 fee. If you sell or transfer your vehicle to another person, please remove the visor.

How to use the visor
Place the visor placard inside the visor above the driver's seat. DO NOT keep it below your seat or in the glove compartment. The police or emergency personnel should be able to see the visor. Read the instructions on the visor for proper usage.