Special needs car seats follow a special process
Australian states and territories have separate rules governing safe vehicle travel for children.
Generally, regulations are in place to require children to use a child restraint, car seat or booster until they can effectively use an adult lap sash seatbelt.
Australian law also specifies that all car seats must meet Australian Standards – specifically the standard AS/NZS 1754. Any car seat sold in Australia must meet this standard, which covers materials, design, construction, performance, testing and labelling.
Unfortunately, although many car seats designed for children with special needs have been tested to other European or North American standards, none have been tested against the Australian Standard. In order to use these seats legally in Australia, a strict exemption process must be followed.
The exemption process varies between states and territories.
A helpful resource
Mobility and Accessibility for Children in Australia Ltd (MACA) created macahub.org – a ‘one stop’ national website for parents, allied health professionals and organisations to access resources on the safe transportation of children with disabilities and medical conditions.
Check the MACA Hub guide to road laws in each state and territory
We’re here to help
Note that wherever you live, our ATPs are on hand to help guide you through the regulations in your state.
We will work with your family to:
- Assess whether there are any standard car seats (that meet Australian Standards) that suit the postural and behavioural needs of your child.
- Provide advice to your family and therapists on the range of specialised car seats available, and which may be best suited to your child, as well as any additional supports or considerations needed.
- Assist your prescriber with the necessary exemption letter or medical certificates needed, and the reasons why a standard car seat cannot be used.
NDIS requirements for car seats
This process runs parallel to the NDIS. In order for funding to be allocated through your child’s NDIS plan to purchase a special needs car seat, your family will need to show that standard car seats will not meet your child’s needs, along with an exemption letter from your doctor and supporting information from a prescribing therapist.
While this process is a somewhat complicated and time consuming one, it is designed to carefully balance each child’s safety with their individual needs and meet the Australian legal requirements.
Moving from car seat to seatbelt
Children should be at least 145cm tall to safely sit in a standard car seat with an adult lap sash seat belt. At this height, their body segments are long enough to be safely supported with the seatbelt components appropriately positioned.
Follow a 5-point check to ensure your child is big enough to use a seatbelt:
Source: Transport for NSW
Other car safety devices
Other safety devices such as specialised harnesses or buckle covers may be needed to ensure the safety of your child when travelling.
Use of these devices is also subject to state-based legislation and exemption processes. Generally, a GP letter of exemption must be carried at all times when your child is being transported in the vehicle in which those devices are used.
It’s also important to note that some safety devices may also fall within the NDIS Commission’s purview of restrictive practices. As such, some extra protocols may need to be followed before implementing these devices in your car.
Have another question?
Get in touch with one of our helpful ATPs or request a trial of one our car safety products.
