STAR Special Needs

A: STAR products can be purchased through any IMMI Authorized STAR distributor. For any other questions or concerns, call the toll free customer service number at 877-447-2305.

A: For best pricing options and volume discounts, please contact an Authorized STAR distributor, or call the toll-free customer service number at 877-447-2305 for more information.

A: The system was designed for installation on school bus seats that are belted or unbelted. However, you cannot use those bus seat belts to secure the child if you are securing the child with the STAR system belts.

A: The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration sets Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) for school buses and child restraints. The STAR meets and exceeds FMVSS 213 requirements for safety restraints on school buses. The STAR also meets requirements for Title 45, Part 1303.70 for Head Start Transportation along with any other state requirements for child restraints on school buses.

A: The STAR meets all applicable requirements of Title 45, Part 1303 Subpart F, 1303.70 and as defined in Part 1305.2 requiring the use of child restraints on school buses for all Head Start children regardless of weight.

A: STAR products are designed only for use in school buses, daycare buses, or MFSABs and cannot be used safely in other types of vehicles.

A: Please contact an Authorized STAR distributor or call the toll-free customer service number at 877-447-2305 for shipping information.

A: The STAR is designed, manufactured and tested for children 25-65 pounds and 52 inches tall. The SuperSTAR is for children 25-90 pounds and 52 inches tall. The STAR Special Needs is for children 25-105 pounds and 52 inches tall. All three products support children with torso heights up to 20 inches tall.

A: Please review the installation video for the STAR and the SuperSTAR or refer to the installation instructions provided with the product.

A: STAR restraints fit all regular school bus seat manufacturers’ 24-inch low back and 28-inch high back seats. Lap belt ready (FMVSS 210) seats are not required for use with the STAR restraints (except in Indiana).

A: The STAR restraint system is considered to have a finite life and must be frequently inspected and replaced as needed. The service life of a STAR restraint is 6 years and the Super STAR has a service life of 7 years. Start of service life begins from date of invoice if the label on the STAR or SuperSTAR is filled out and sealed. If it is not filled out, then service life begins from date of manufacture. The date of manufacture can be found on the back of the lower portion of the cam wrap strap where it connects to the seat base. Discontinue use of the STAR after that service life has expired.

A: The chest strap is optional and is designed for children with special needs children who require additional upper body support to sit in the seat.

A: Clean the webbing, gray padding and flexible seat base with a damp cloth using a mild soap solution and lukewarm water. The gray padding can be easily removed and machine washed in cold water and tumbled dry on low heat. The SuperSTAR pad can be wiped off while installed in the school bus seat. Replacement pads are available through most authorized STAR distributors.

A: If a school bus is involved in a moderate or severe crash, the entire STAR restraint must be replaced regardless if the STAR was occupied for use at the time of the crash. Reference the NHTSA Position Paper “Re-Use of Child Restraint Systems in School Buses After Minor Crashes” for more information on this matter. This document can be found on the NHTSA.gov website.

A: Backpacks should never be worn by a child when riding in a STAR. The added weight could cause injury to the child in the event of a crash.

A: Best practice for securing a child in any child restraint system, regardless of the type of vehicle, is to remove the coat so that the child restraint webs have direct contact with the child’s unpadded indoor clothing. Heavy/Bulky coat material can be compressed by the child restraint webs in a crash. This could cause additional slack or clearance with the webbing that might result in the child being injured or possibly even ejected from their child restraint.

A: The child’s physical therapist should decide what is best for the individual patient.

A: The STAR Special Needs can fit two to a standard 39-inch bus seat.