Disability Parking Permits

Disability Parking Permits (DPPs) allow cars to park in spaces marked with the international access symbol.

For the first time in 25 years, we are proposing changes to the legislation. This will allow us to make changes to the DPP scheme to help more South Australians access these permits.

Once changes are approved, new eligibility criteria will be drafted. The goal is to have this new legislation in place in 2025.

Reason for change

The proposed changes will allow the scheme to be modified to better meet the needs of people with a disability. This includes:

• applicants who have a significant condition that prevents them from moving independently without the continuous support of another person. The significant condition can be intellectual, cognitive, behavioural or neurological.
• applicants who are legally blind (as a passenger).

Right now, people with cognitive, behavioural or neurological conditions often have similar parking needs as those with physical disabilities. However, they currently can’t access parking permits.

The proposed changes aim to make the DPP system more inclusive. This will ensure that more people who need accessible parking can get it. These proposed changes won’t affect current DPP holders.

Review outcomes

The DPP Scheme has not changed since 1998.

We have completed a review in response to feedback. This highlighted the need to expand eligibility to include:

• people with non-physical disabilities. For example, intellectual, behavioural or neurological conditions (autism being the most common).
• those who are legally blind (when they are passengers).

We receive many DPP requests for people to move safely to and from their vehicle in high-traffic parking locations.

These proposed changes will make it easier for people to get permits for these movements. This is particularly helpful for parents and carers of children who need these parking spaces for safety reasons.

The proposed changes

We are proposing the following changes to expand the eligibility criteria:

• Include applicants who are legally blind without needing to meet further mobility criteria. A legally blind person being transported as a passenger in a vehicle will be eligible for a DPP. They do not need to hold a driver’s licence.
• Include applicants that have a significant intellectual, cognitive, behavioural or neurological impairment. The final criteria will be confirmed.
• Remove the requirement that the impairment must significantly inhibit an applicant’s ability to use public transport.
• Amend the term “disabled person” to “person with disability”. This change will be consistent with the language guide published by People With Disability Australia.
• Retain existing physical mobility impairment criteria.

Enforcement and availability of accessible parking spaces

The proposed changes will cover the eligibility to get a DPP. This will not include the enforcement of accessible parking spaces or their availability.

The Australian Government sets the minimum number of accessible parking spaces for people with disabilities. This is outlined in the national Disability (Access to Premises – Buildings) Standards 2010. Standards are applied through the National Construction Code.

Properties can choose to provide more accessible parking spaces.

Next steps

The Motor Vehicles (Disability Parking Permit Scheme) Amendment Act 2024 was passed by the South Australian Parliament on 15 May 2025.

Targeted consultation is currently underway to inform the drafting of the new Regulations. We will share further details, including the commencement date for the updated regulations, in the coming months.

How to apply for a DPP

Visit SA.GOV.AU to apply for a DPP.

Once applications are approved, we will issue a DPP in approximately ten working days.

Until the new regulations take effect:

• the existing physical mobility impairment criteria will continue to apply
• current DPP holders do not need to reapply.

Under the current scheme, sensory or intellectual impairments do not generally qualify for a DPP. However, applications may be approved if:

• a treating doctor or specialist can demonstrate the impairment
• how it directly affects the applicant's physical mobility.

A medical professional must describe how the condition impacts the applicant's ability to move or walk in the DPP application.