Deaf drivers in Oregon can now include their hearing status on their driver's license

An Oregon resident who is deaf or hard of hearing may now voluntarily apply to have the International Symbol of Access for Hearing Loss added to their driver license, driver permit, or identification card.

The designation can also be added to a vehicle registration to indicate that the registered owner or another person operating the vehicle may be deaf or hard of hearing.

House Bill 2498 was passed last April without opposition. Its chief sponsors were Representatives Sollman and Thomsen and Neron Morgan. The change can be made any time by going to DMV2U.oregon.gov or to a DMV office.