The blue envelope
This page is only about the blue envelope from the article
The blue envelope to print out
Instructions and templates for drivers with autism and AuDHS. Print out, fill in, place in a blue envelope or a blue plastic sleeve, and keep it in the glove compartment to hand.
How to put the envelope together
Take a blue envelope in C6 or DIN long format, or a blue plastic sleeve. The colour will help you spot it straight away in the glove compartment.
Write the text below on the outside. Place the four cards and your documents inside.
Place the envelope in the glove compartment, always in the same place.
Tell family and friends who drive your car where the envelope is and what it’s for.
Replace the contents as soon as you receive a new driving licence, a new vehicle registration certificate or a new prescription.
Important: In Germany, the blue envelope is not an official document. The police are not familiar with it. It is your personal aide, which organises your documents and explains the situation in clear language.
Text for the outside of the envelope
There are two versions. The only difference is whether the diagnosis is printed on the outside.
The text is visible to anyone who opens the glove compartment – including garage staff and passengers - in the event of a breakdown or when selling the car. Disclosing the diagnosis is voluntary, and stating it on the outside is a more significant decision than simply mentioning it during a police check. Take your time to decide before printing.
Option A: with diagnosis
BLUE ENVELOPE
Support with communication during a roadside check. The owner of this vehicle is autistic. Please be patient and use clear, simple language. The important documents are in this envelope.
Advantage: The officer is immediately aware of the situation, even if you are unable to speak at that moment. This is the option that follows the American model.
Disadvantage: The diagnosis is visible in the car, permanently and to everyone.
Option B: without a diagnosis
BLUE ENVELOPE
Support with communication during a traffic stop. Please be patient and use clear, simple language. The important documents are in this envelope.
Advantage: The envelope organises the documents and asks for patience, so no one who doesn’t need to know finds out anything about you. The explanation is on card 2 inside and is only read when you hand over the envelope.
Disadvantage: An officer who only sees the text printed on the envelope may not immediately understand why you are reacting differently. If you are unable to speak in the situation, it helps to point to Card 2 at the same time.
If you’re unsure
Choose Option B and place Card 2 on top, with the labelled side facing upwards. Then the explanation is ready without being visible from the outside. You can swap the printed text for Option A at any time if you realise you’d prefer that.
Card 1 – For me as a driver
If I’m pulled over:
I stop calmly, switch off the engine and place my hands visibly on the steering wheel.
I take a deep breath. I’ve got everything ready.
My first sentence: “I’m on the autism spectrum. I find it difficult to speak when I’m under stress. My documents are in this blue envelope.”
If I can’t speak, I point to this card and to the envelope.
I announce every movement before reaching into the glove compartment.
I wait for one instruction at a time. If anything is unclear, I ask calmly.
I stay seated in the car until the officer says the check is over.
Card 2 – Information for the police
Dear Officer,
When I am driving this vehicle, I am on the autism spectrum. This may mean:
little or no eye contact,
delayed responses or an unusual way of speaking,
and, when under stress, I may stop speaking altogether.
This is not a sign of dishonesty or resistance. It would be very helpful if you could:
use simple, direct language,
give one instruction at a time,
allow a little more time for them to process the information,
let them know when the check is over.
Bright lights and loud noises increase tension. Thank you very much for your understanding.
Card 3 – Emergency contact/trusted person
If I am unable to communicate clearly, this person may be contacted:
Name: __________________________________________
Relationship to me: ______________________________
Telephone: ________________________________________
Second contact person (optional):
Name: __________________________________________
Telephone: ________________________________________
Card 4 – Medical certificate (particularly important for AuDHS)
If I am taking prescribed stimulants (such as lisdexamfetamine or methylphenidate), a rapid drug test may show a positive result for amphetamines, even though this is a medically prescribed medication.
This envelope therefore contains:
☐ a copy of my current prescription, or
☐ a medical certificate or an ADHD card stating the diagnosis and medication.
Prescribed medication: ________________________
Prescribing practice: ____________________________
Issued on: ________________________________
Note: If I do not feel fit to drive due to medication or tiredness, I will not drive.
Checklist: Contents of the envelope
☐ Printed on the outside (Variant A or B)
☐ Driving licence
☐ Vehicle registration certificate, Part I (vehicle registration document)
☐ Card 1 – For me as the driver
☐ Card 2 – Information for the police
☐ Card 3 – Emergency contact / trusted person
☐ Card 4 – Medical certificate (strongly recommended if stimulants have been prescribed)
☐ Copy of the current prescription or ADHD card (if applicable)
You do not need to carry your identity card with you. However, if you do have it with you, you must show it on request; the police are entitled to verify your identity in any case.
Good to know
Disclosing a diagnosis is voluntary. In rare cases, the impression of a mental health-related impairment may lead the authorities to order a roadworthiness assessment. You decide for yourself how much to disclose. If you are unsure, discuss it calmly with a trusted person beforehand or in a therapeutic setting.
This page is only about the blue envelope from the article
The blue envelope to print out
Instructions and templates for drivers with autism and AuDHS. Print out, fill in, place in a blue envelope or a blue plastic sleeve, and keep it in the glove compartment to hand.
How to put the envelope together
Take a blue envelope in C6 or DIN long format, or a blue plastic sleeve. The colour will help you spot it straight away in the glove compartment.
Write the text below on the outside. Place the four cards and your documents inside.
Place the envelope in the glove compartment, always in the same place.
Tell family and friends who drive your car where the envelope is and what it’s for.
Replace the contents as soon as you receive a new driving licence, a new vehicle registration certificate or a new prescription.
Important: In Germany, the blue envelope is not an official document. The police are not familiar with it. It is your personal aide, which organises your documents and explains the situation in clear language.
Text for the outside of the envelope
There are two versions. The only difference is whether the diagnosis is printed on the outside.
The text is visible to anyone who opens the glove compartment – including garage staff and passengers - in the event of a breakdown or when selling the car. Disclosing the diagnosis is voluntary, and stating it on the outside is a more significant decision than simply mentioning it during a police check. Take your time to decide before printing.
Option A: with diagnosis
BLUE ENVELOPE
Support with communication during a roadside check. The owner of this vehicle is autistic. Please be patient and use clear, simple language. The important documents are in this envelope.
Advantage: The officer is immediately aware of the situation, even if you are unable to speak at that moment. This is the option that follows the American model.
Disadvantage: The diagnosis is visible in the car, permanently and to everyone.
Option B: without a diagnosis
BLUE ENVELOPE
Support with communication during a traffic stop. Please be patient and use clear, simple language. The important documents are in this envelope.
Advantage: The envelope organises the documents and asks for patience, so no one who doesn’t need to know finds out anything about you. The explanation is on card 2 inside and is only read when you hand over the envelope.
Disadvantage: An officer who only sees the text printed on the envelope may not immediately understand why you are reacting differently. If you are unable to speak in the situation, it helps to point to Card 2 at the same time.
If you’re unsure
Choose Option B and place Card 2 on top, with the labelled side facing upwards. Then the explanation is ready without being visible from the outside. You can swap the printed text for Option A at any time if you realise you’d prefer that.
Card 1 – For me as a driver
If I’m pulled over:
I stop calmly, switch off the engine and place my hands visibly on the steering wheel.
I take a deep breath. I’ve got everything ready.
My first sentence: “I’m on the autism spectrum. I find it difficult to speak when I’m under stress. My documents are in this blue envelope.”
If I can’t speak, I point to this card and to the envelope.
I announce every movement before reaching into the glove compartment.
I wait for one instruction at a time. If anything is unclear, I ask calmly.
I stay seated in the car until the officer says the check is over.
Card 2 – Information for the police
Dear Officer,
When I am driving this vehicle, I am on the autism spectrum. This may mean:
little or no eye contact,
delayed responses or an unusual way of speaking,
and, when under stress, I may stop speaking altogether.
This is not a sign of dishonesty or resistance. It would be very helpful if you could:
use simple, direct language,
give one instruction at a time,
allow a little more time for them to process the information,
let them know when the check is over.
Bright lights and loud noises increase tension. Thank you very much for your understanding.
Card 3 – Emergency contact/trusted person
If I am unable to communicate clearly, this person may be contacted:
Name: __________________________________________
Relationship to me: ______________________________
Telephone: ________________________________________
Second contact person (optional):
Name: __________________________________________
Telephone: ________________________________________
Card 4 – Medical certificate (particularly important for AuDHS)
If I am taking prescribed stimulants (such as lisdexamfetamine or methylphenidate), a rapid drug test may show a positive result for amphetamines, even though this is a medically prescribed medication.
This envelope therefore contains:
☐ a copy of my current prescription, or
☐ a medical certificate or an ADHD card stating the diagnosis and medication.
Prescribed medication: ________________________
Prescribing practice: ____________________________
Issued on: ________________________________
Note: If I do not feel fit to drive due to medication or tiredness, I will not drive.
Checklist: Contents of the envelope
☐ Printed on the outside (Variant A or B)
☐ Driving licence
☐ Vehicle registration certificate, Part I (vehicle registration document)
☐ Card 1 – For me as the driver
☐ Card 2 – Information for the police
☐ Card 3 – Emergency contact / trusted person
☐ Card 4 – Medical certificate (strongly recommended if stimulants have been prescribed)
☐ Copy of the current prescription or ADHD card (if applicable)
You do not need to carry your identity card with you. However, if you do have it with you, you must show it on request; the police are entitled to verify your identity in any case.
Good to know
Disclosing a diagnosis is voluntary. In rare cases, the impression of a mental health-related impairment may lead the authorities to order a roadworthiness assessment. You decide for yourself how much to disclose. If you are unsure, discuss it calmly with a trusted person beforehand or in a therapeutic setting.