Car seats are specialized seats used in cars to provide an extra amount of safety and comfort to the passengers. These are seats that increase the safety of passengers and prevent major injuries in the case of an accident. There are various types of car seat selections for different ages.
Continue reading to learn everything you need to know about the Ontario car seat laws drivers need to follow.
However, car seats aren’t the only thing that keeps your family safe — car insurance is another great example. If you need car insurance in Ontario, you can visit Surex to start comparing quotes in ten minutes or less.
Car Seat Laws in Canada
Determining the right car seat for your child involves considering their age, weight, and height.
Here’s a table explaining the three conventional classes of child car seat laws in Ontario, as stipulated in Ontario Regulation 613 under the Highway Traffic Act, which correspond to three growth stages: infant, toddler, and pre-school/primary student (up to age 8).
| Type | Stage | Weight | Height |
| Rear-facing car seat | Infant | Up to 9 kg | Not applicable |
| Forward-facing car seat | Toddler | 9-18 kg | Not applicable |
| Booster seat | Under the age of 8 | 18-36 kg | Under 145 cm tall |
Drivers should always follow the car seat laws in Ontario while driving with an infant; doing this will not just keep you out of trouble, but it will also keep your young one safe.
Car Seat Compliance and Expiry: National Safety Mark
Ensure your car seat conforms to Canadian regulations and standards when purchasing one. Every standard category of the seat should display the National Safety Mark:
If considering a second-hand car seat, verify that it displays this mark, is in good condition, and includes full instructions for installation and use. Assess for wear or damage and steer clear of a car seat involved in a previous accident.
It’s crucial to replace your car seats if they’ve reached their expiry date. The manufacturer should indicate this date on every car seat. On average, a child’s car seat has a lifespan of about six years.
Types of Car Seats
Here’s a quick list of some of the most common types of car seats:
1. Rear-facing seats
These types of car seats are recommended for babies and infants that weigh up to 20 lbs or nine kilograms. Rear-facing seats are regarded as the safest car seats since they provide infants the required support for the neck and head.
2. Forward-facing seats
Toddlers between the weight of 20 lbs to 65 lbs can use this type of car seat. Forward-facing seats are car seats that are in the same direction as the other passenger seats. These seats are typically equipped with a five-point harness and must be attached to the passenger seat using its rear tether strap to avoid it lifting in the case of an accident.
3. Booster seat
Booster seats are used for older children that weigh around 40 lbs to 80 lbs and are about 4 feet and 9 inches in height. Parents with children below 8 years old are recommended to install booster seats to ensure that the seat belt follows the correct path and adds an extra amount of safety to the child.
*Note that different car manufacturers recommend different types of car seats that are best suited for the particular car model. Ontario car seat laws recommend that car owners refer to the manufacturer’s suggested choice of car seat/s.
Bottom Line
It is crucial to ensure the safety of children in vehicles. By following Ontario car seat laws, parents and guardians can significantly lower the risk of injuries and fatalities of children in the case of an accident.
We can protect our most valuable passengers and create safer travel for all by prioritizing the proper use of car seats.
