AustraliaI modified my car for accessibility due to my disability. Can I get it registered as compliant?
Yes, you can register your modified car as compliant if the modifications meet the national standards for disability vehicle modifications under the Australian Design Rules and are certified by an approved mobility assessor.
What the Law Says
In Australia, vehicles modified for disability access must comply with national safety standards and be certified before registration. The primary legal framework is set out in the Road Vehicle Standards Act 2018 and supporting rules.
The Road Vehicle Standards Act 2018 (Cth) establishes the national system for approving and registering road vehicles, including those modified for disability access. Under this law, any modification that affects the vehicle’s structure, braking, steering, or emissions must be assessed for compliance.
The Australian Design Rules (ADRs) — particularly ADR 42/04 (Modification of Vehicles for Persons with Disabilities) — set out technical requirements for accessibility modifications such as hand controls, wheelchair restraints, ramps, and seating systems. These rules ensure modifications do not compromise safety.
Certification must be carried out by a person approved under the Road Vehicle Standards (Consequential and Transitional Provisions) Rules 2019. Once certified, the modification is recorded on the vehicle’s registration record by the state or territory transport authority.
Statutory TextA vehicle that has been modified must comply with the applicable Australian Design Rules, including ADR 42/04 — Modification of Vehicles for Persons with Disabilities.
— Road Vehicle Standards Act 2018, s. 12 — Compliance with standards
Statutory TextAn approval under this Part may be given only if the vehicle, as modified, complies with the applicable Australian Design Rules.
— Road Vehicle Standards Act 2018, s. 25 — Approval of modified vehicles
What to Do
Contact an approved mobility assessor (listed by your state RTA or the National Disability Insurance Scheme)
Have your vehicle assessed and certified against ADR 42/04 and other relevant ADRs
Submit the certificate and application to your state or territory road transport authority (e.g., Service NSW, VicRoads, TMR QLD)
Pay any applicable registration or plate fees — some states offer concessions for disability-registered vehicles
Keep your modification certificate — it remains valid for up to 10 years unless the vehicle is further modified
Sources
Not legal advice. This article is general information based on publicly available sources, written for educational purposes. Laws change and individual situations vary. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before acting on anything you read here. Last reviewed: 2026-06-08.