PHOENIX — Arizona’s first specialty autism license plate was officially unveiled on Thursday in celebration of National Autism Acceptance Month.
The new plates are now available at the Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division and cost $25 (with a $25 annual renewal fee). Of that amount, $17 will go to autism research for Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center and First Place AZ.
“Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center (SARRC) and First Place AZ are honored to enhance awareness and rally support for autism-related programs and services across Arizona through our new license plate,” SARRC President and CEO Daniel Openden said in a press release.
“This initiative represents a powerful statement for our state and a milestone moment for Arizonans impacted by autism. We’re also proud to showcase the original artwork of Joe Bradley — an accomplished artist on the autism spectrum and a founding member of our Self-Advocate Advisory Board — whose creativity and talent bring this license plate to life.”
The artwork on the plate was designed by Bradley, an artist on the autism spectrum and a founding member of SARRC’s Self-Advocate Advisory Board.
Specialty license plates have been offered in Arizona since 1989 and are authorized by the Arizona Legislature. Approval from both chambers of the state legislature and the governor is required.
In April 2024, Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs signed Arizona Senate Bill 1561 (“Driving Support for Autism”) during Autism Acceptance Month, approving the specialty license plate.
Before it was signed into law, the bill was originally introduced by Arizona state Sen. Flavio Bravo.
“I am proud that my first bill to pass the Arizona State Senate floor is in support of the transformative work of both SARRC and First Place,” Bravo posted on X. “Together, they have made Arizona one of the most autism friendly states in the country.”
MVD now offers 106 different license plate options. Motorists can also personalize their plates for an additional $25 per year.
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