Canada Child Safety Seats Laws

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Child Safety Seats

When it comes to small children, no measure of safety is considered too much. That's why all across Canada there are stringent laws in place for driving with a child –and strict punishments for failure to obey these laws.

The laws are broken down into three categories, depending on the child's age and weight. They are as follows:

Rear-Facing Seats: Children under 16 kg. (35 lbs.)

From the time your child is born until they weigh 16 kg., they must travel in a rear-facing safety seat. In order to comply with the law, the seat must adhere to the following:

• Seat faces the rear of the car or truck
• Universal Anchorage System (UAS) is routed correctly
• Not used in a position where there is a passenger front-seat air bag
• Locking clip is used properly
• Chest clip sits level with the child's armpits
• Internal harness sits snugly, and slightly below child's shoulder (should have 1-finger distance between harness and child's collar bone).

Forward-Facing and Combination Seats: 9 – 18 kg. (20 – 40 lbs.)

Once the child reaches 9 kg, he or she is able to sit in a forward-facing seat. The following rules apply:

• Seat faces forward in the upright position
• Locking clip is used correctly
• UAS and internal harness routed correctly, as per manufacturer's instructions
• Tether strap is hooked to the vehicle's proper tether anchor
• Chest clip sits level with the child's armpits
• Internal harness sits level with, or slightly above, the child's shoulder

Booster Seat: 18 – 37 kg. (40 - 80 lbs.)

When a child reaches 18 kg., they may graduate to a booster seat, where they must remain until they reach 37 kg., although if the child reaches the age of 9 and still falls below the weight limit, they are allowed to graduate out of the booster seat.

The biggest thing to remember about placing your child in a booster seat is that the seat belt must be worn the same way it would if there were no booster seat: shoulder belt in front of the child –never behind, or under the arm, and the lap belt must sit low over the hips.

Child Safety Seat Parts Explained

• Universal Anchorage System (UAS): This is the standardized system in place that makes child seats both safer and simpler. It consists of two lower anchors and one top tether in the vehicle, and 2 UAS attachments on the safety seat (and a top tether for forward-facing seats).
• Locking Clip: This piece of metal is necessary for use with a continuous loop seat belt, or when the slotted attachment of a seat belt is free floating.
• Tethering: Tether straps are what keeps the child safety seat from moving forward in the event of an accident.
• Tethering Anchors: Some newer vehicles come equipped with tether anchors that are ready to use. They are easily identifiable, by an icon depicting a safety seat and an anchor.

General Safety Tips

You should always follow the manufacturer's instructions for the installation and use of child safety seats. Be certain that you have the proper set of instructions for your specific make and model. Make sure that all the parts are included, and attached properly. And don't forget to check the expiration date on your seat –yes, they have expiration dates!

If you find yourself with questions, or you aren't 100% certain about something, most cities and towns offer local child safety seat installation classes and clinics to ensure safety. Having your child safely and comfortably in his or her seat can ensure a pleasant diving experience for all parties concerned.

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