Ontario Booster Seat Laws & Regulations

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Article Contents
Picture of By <span>Aren Mirzaian</span>
By Aren Mirzaian

Updated on September 11, 2024

Visit author page
Picture of By <span>Aren Mirzaian</span>
By Aren Mirzaian

Updated September 11, 2024

Visit author page

4 minute read

Article Contents

As parents or guardians of young children, safety is often at the forefront of our minds – and this extends to their security on the road as our passengers. In Ontario, this call to safety is supported by the government, and a failure to comply with the rules and regulations can result in a few fines and fees. Here’s a quick overview of what you need to know:

Ontario Car Seat Laws & Regulations at a Glance

  • You need different car seats throughout your child’s life
  • Failure to comply with car seat laws can result in 2 demerit points and a fine of up to $240
  • Children under 13 years old must sit in the backseat 

But there is so much more to car seat laws in Ontario. Let’s dive in a little deeper.

Car Seat Safety in Ontario

Laws about car seat safety in Ontario are detailed in the Highway Traffic Act and Seat Belt Assemblies under Reg. 613. In it, you’ll discover that it’s considered a civic duty to ensure young children’s safety while they ride in your car, particularly if they’re under the age of 8. 

On top of this, caregivers and parents will need several different kinds of car seats to accommodate their child’s growth and development over time. 

Four Stages of Car Seats

Different car seats are built with different life stages in mind. Like we mentioned earlier, Ontario’s local laws require you to update your young one’s sitting situation periodically. Here’s a breakdown of the different “stages” of car seats and when it’s appropriate to use them. 

From birth until they weigh at least 20 pounds (9 kg), children must be placed in rear-facing car seats. It’s recommended to keep them in a rear-facing seat a bit longer for added safety, as many car seats are designed to accommodate slightly higher weights. 

Ideally, families should have a car seat ready before your child is born since hospitals may require one to allow you to bring your baby home.

Rear-facing seats are safer for young children in particular because they offer better support for their heads during a crash or abrupt stop. 

This is crucial at a young age because their heads are proportionally larger compared to their bodies, which heightens the risk of spinal or head injuries. The safest spot for a rear-facing car seat is the middle of the back seat.

In Ontario, if your child weighs between 20 pounds (9 kg) and 40 pounds (18 kg), then they can safely transition to a forward-facing car seat. This allows them to face the same direction as the other passengers. Installing a forward-facing seat involves a few additional steps, such as securing a five-point harness or a tether strap. 

Each car seat model comes with specific instructions to ensure it’s installed correctly – so be sure to check the instructions during set-up. Just like rear-facing car seats, the safest position for a forward-facing car seat is the middle of the back seat.

When your child reaches 40 pounds (18 kg), they can begin using a booster seat. Although booster seats are generally easier to install, it’s important to carefully follow the provided instructions. At this stage of your child’s growth, they are big enough to manage the movements of the car, but they are still not suited for a standard car seat and seatbelt. The booster seat is designed to address this issue.

The booster seat will likely include specific guidelines from the manufacturer, indicating whether it’s appropriate for your child. If your child cannot comfortably and safely use a regular seatbelt on a standard seat, they should continue using the booster seat.

Once a child turns 8 years old, weighs 80 pounds (36 kg), or reaches a height of 145 cm (4 feet, 9 inches), and the seat belt fits securely across their hips and chest while they can bend their knees comfortably at the edge of the vehicle seat, they may ride without a car seat. 

However, if a child cannot sit still and upright for the entire journey, they should continue using a booster seat, even if they meet the other criteria. It’s important to note that the driver is legally responsible for ensuring that all children under 16 are properly wearing their seat belts. 

Additionally, it’s recommended that children avoid sitting in the front seat until they are at least 13 years old due to the risks posed by active airbags.

Similar to Ontario’s car seat regulations, seat belt laws for children are consistent across the board. It’s crucial to remember that every passenger and the driver must always wear a seat belt. Maintaining your seat belts is equally important—ensuring they are not twisted or damaged. 

Even if a seat belt is unused, a broken one can still result in penalties.

4 stages of car seats

Why Car Seat Safety Matters

Car seat safety is crucial because it significantly reduces the risk of injury or death in the event of a car accident. Children are more vulnerable than adults due to their size and developing bodies, which makes it essential to use appropriate car seats that are designed to protect them at each stage of their growth. 

Properly installed car seats can prevent serious injuries by absorbing impact and keeping children securely restrained, minimizing the movement of their heads, necks, and spines. This is especially important in collisions, where the forces involved can be extremely dangerous for young passengers.

Prioritizing car seat safety is not just a legal obligation but a moral one, ensuring that your child is as safe as possible on the road.

Consequences of Non-Compliance

Failing to comply with Ontario’s car seat laws can lead to serious consequences. If a driver is caught not following the rules, they may face fines, demerit points, and even more severe penalties if non-compliance results in injury or death.

The immediate financial costs of a ticket can be burdensome, but the long-term impact on a driver’s record and insurance premiums can be even more significant. More importantly, non-compliance puts a child’s life at risk. Without the proper restraints, a child is much more likely to suffer from severe injuries in a crash, which can lead to lifelong disabilities or fatalities. 

It’s crucial to understand that the law is in place to protect children, and adhering to it is essential for their safety.

Choosing The Right Car Seat

Selecting the right car seat for your child is one of the most important decisions you’ll make as a parent or caregiver. When choosing a car seat, consider your child’s age, weight, and height, as these factors will determine which type of seat is appropriate. 

Always check the manufacturer’s recommendations and ensure the seat meets Canadian safety standards, which are indicated by a National Safety Mark label. Additionally, think about the features that best suit your needs, such as ease of installation, comfort, and adjustability. 

It’s also a good idea to read reviews and seek advice from other parents or certified child passenger safety technicians. Remember that as your child grows, their car seat needs will change, so be prepared to upgrade when necessary to keep them safe and secure. In this case, your auto insurance might even help you pay for a new one. 

Key Advice from MyChoice

  • Car seats in Canada have expiration dates, so note that if you’re purchasing a barely used second hand seat
  • If your car seat was made before 2012, it may not be up to standard
  • Only use car seats that have never been in a collision 

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