Mar 2, 2023
Laws and safety considerations for car seats
Ontario car seat regulations are in place to protect children in case of an accident. And as parents, we must take steps to ensure our children are safe when traveling in a vehicle. However, many parents are not up to date with the latest car seat laws. Most also fail to install car seats correctly.
Transport Canada sets the minimum requirement for car seat manufacturers. Stricter rules can be applied by province or territory, so take the time to know your local laws.
Strap in as we take you through car seat laws and regulations in Ontario to keep your children safe.
Car seat stats all parents should read
The Canadian Public Health Association says child car seats reduce the risk of death by 71% in infants under one year old and 54% for kids ages one to four.
All drivers are responsible for the safety of passengers under 16 years old. However, those under the age of eight require a car seat or booster specifically designed for their size. Using the correct child seat is a way to prevent any serious injuries to children if there is an accident. Studies show that:
- 73% of car seats were used or installed incorrectly.
- 30% of kids in booster seats did not meet the 40-pound weight minimum.
- 52% of kids did not fit safely in seat belts and still should have been in a booster seat.
What are the stages of car seats?
Each car seat stage is designed to protect passengers of every size. There are three types of stages, or styles, of car seats for children. Once they graduate from the three car restraints, you can evaluate having them use a seatbelt (also known as stage four).
Stage 1 : Rear facing car seat
- This is considered the safest option because it supports their head and necks.
- Legally required across Canada for all children from birth until your child is a minimum of 20 lb.
Stage 2 : Front facing car seat
- The child is now seated forward, like the other passengers. It will have a five-point harness designed with it.
- Made to protect toddlers and young children.
- Legally must be used until they are a minimum of 20-65 lb, and meet the manufacturer's suggested use.
Stage 3 : Booster seat
- Created for older toddlers and young children who have outgrown car seats but are not big enough to fit the seatbelt properly.
- Must be used until children are eight years old, or 80lbs (36 kg), or 145 cm tall. Always check the manufacturer's regulations.
- Booster seats provide 59% more protection than seat belts alone.
Stage 4 : Seat belt
- Once the vehicle seat belt fits snugly on their lap and is centred in their should, they may be ready for the front seat. Always check your local age, weight, and height restrictions.
- Children must be able to sit against the seat with their knees bent over the edge of the seat.
- The seat belt must sit in the middle of your child’s shoulder because it is the most comfortable, and makes it less likely for them to wiggle out of or put it behind their back, or slip off.
What are the fines for improper car seat use?
Failure to properly, or improperly secure a child in your care, you can be charged and fined up to $240 and two demerit points. According to the Highway Traffic Act, a car seat or booster seat must be used with children under eight years old.
When can a child sit in the front seat?
Children can legally use a seatbelt when they reach the age, weight, or height limits set out by the province. In Ontario, they suggest children under 12 are the safest in the back seat.
Keep in mind front seats have airbags, and when they inflate they can cause injury. If a child is in the front seat, move the seat back as far as possible while leaving room for any passengers in the backseat, and make sure the child always sits up straight against the seat – they should never have their feet up on the dashboard or leaning against the door.
Does insurance cover car seat reimbursement?
After a car accident, you can not use the same car seat even if your child was not in the car with you. This is the case even if there is no visible damage.
Many insurers will compensate you if you file a claim for a damaged car seat under comprehensive coverage. You will need to buy a new seat (it does not have to be the same type), and they will reimburse you.
How do I submit a claim for a car seat?
If you have been in a crash and need to submit a claim for a damaged car seat under your comprehensive auto policy, here is what you will need to do :
- Report the accident to your insurance company and state there was a children's seat damaged.
- Have the brand, year, and type of car seat you are using (receipts will help with this step).
- Purchase a new seat that is around the same cost as the original seat.
- Submit the receipt.
- Wait for the reimbursement.
How long are car seats good for?
Transport Canada outlines car seat expiry dates in Canada will vary between six to nine years. If a seat was made before January 1, 2012, it might be illegal to advertise or sell because it does not meet current safety requirements.
You should not use, buy or sell car seats after the expiry date because, over time, defects can occur, such as :
- Labels become hard to read or fade.
- Instruction manuals are lost.
- Frequent use and exposure to sunlight can damage and weaken the plastic.
- Spilled drinks, food and cleaners may prevent the webbing, adjusters, and buckles from working safely.
- Second or later owners might not get safety recall notices.
- Harder to determine the history or condition (was it stored poorly or was it in a crash?).
Car seat safety tips
Here are the top car seat safety tips to help keep your children safe in the car :
- Expiry date : All car seats have an expiry date. Do not use an expired child seat – they will have out-of-date safety features.
- Is it approved? : Confirm the car seat is approved for use in Canada. Look for the National Safety Mark on the seat.
- Instructions : Read all the labels and instructions to ensure your child is the right size for the car seat.
- Replacement after a crash : Most manufacturers recommend replacing a car seat in a car crash (even if it is minor). Contact them if you are unsure.
- Registration : Register your child's seat with the manufacturer so they can contact you if there is a recall.
- Installation : Make sure the seat is installed correctly – many manufacturers will have videos, and the chair must come with instructions. Some communities offer car seat clinics.
- Accessories : Do not use add-on accessories that are not approved by the manufacturer.
- Don't leave your child alone : Never leave your child unattended in a vehicle or car seat.
Can my child ride in Uber without a car seat?
Legally, even if you take a taxi or Uber, you must ensure your child has the proper car seat. Not all car seats fit specific cars and your driver can deny your trip if you do not have proper accommodations for your child. Some drivers may not be comfortable with you installing it in their cars either.
Car seat regulations FAQs
An expired car seat does not affect your auto insurance. However, it does put your child at risk for injuries and there are fines associated with the improper use of child seats. Make sure you are buying a car seat that meets current safety standards.
Generally, car seats and booster seats will expire after six to nine years, according to Transport Canada. Always confirm with the manufacturer's information. You should not use expired car seats because the safety standards have changed, and there are now safer products. Later owners may not get safety recall notices, labels on how to use are faded, and frequent use and exposure can weaken the plastic.
Once a child has outgrown their rear-facing car seat, and is at least two years old, they can move into a forward facing car seat with a five-point harness.
In Ontario, a child must weigh a minimum of 36 kilograms (80 lbs .) or more, be 145cm (4 feet 9 inches) tall or taller, and is over 8 years old to sit in the front.
Get more information about insurance and car seats
After you have selected the right car seat, be sure you install it properly and register it with the manufacturer. Combining this with comparing car insurance quotes every year will ensure your family is covered.
