Question About Car Seat Laws in Canada

[Arabella 4]

Hey Guys,

We are leaving for Canada on Sunday. In Florida, I only have to have my kids in a car seat until they are 4 years old and 40 pounds. My kids are 7 and 5 and over 40 pounds. I have them in booster seats in my car. I really don't want to bring the booster seats in addition to all of our luggage and stuff.

Does anyone know what the laws are regarding kids in car seats in Canada?

Thanks for the help!

[qcmeetsnc 1]

I think those law vary by province. Where are you going?

[Arabella 4]

I think those law vary by province. Where are you going?

Ontario.

[Y&E 12]

You care about your luggage more than your children's safety? I hope that you have good clear weather the whole way so that a car crash is less likely to happen.

[OBX 51]

Ontario.

Here are the laws governing child car safety in Ontario.

Child Car Safety

Looks like you should bring the booster seats unless they meet the ctiteria for using a seatbelt alone. Safe travels.

"A child can start using a seatbelt alone once any one of the following criteria is met:

child turns eight years old

child weighs 36 kg (80 lb.)

child is 145 cm (4 feet-9 inches) tall.

[Krikit 1,163]

You care about your luggage more than your children's safety? I hope that you have good clear weather the whole way so that a car crash is less likely to happen.

That's an unfair and unprovoked attack. Not nice.

[s&c1 3]

That's an unfair and unprovoked attack. Not nice.

I agree!! I am pretty sure they wanted a Canadians input on the matter... Ignore the unwanted rude comments.

[Lorus 0]

That's an unfair and unprovoked attack. Not nice.

Car crashes are the #1 killer of children. You wouldn't leave a baby alone in the bath alone, you wouldn't let a child run across a busy street, etc, yet so many people are quick to ignore something so serious.

Your kids are old enough to carry their own boosters through the airport and then have them gate checked. You should never check car seats with your luggage as baggage handlers aren't careful enough with them. A simple fall to the pavement can cause hairline fractures in the plastic leaving the restraint unsafe.

My daughter traveled to Maui with her grandparents earlier this year when she was 9. She used her backpack for items she wanted to use on the plane and carried her booster in her arms.

There are also luggage trolley carts you can buy that can carry both boosters (plus luggage!) and fold up small when not in use.

[Krikit 1,163]

Car crashes are the #1 killer of children. You wouldn't leave a baby alone in the bath alone, you wouldn't let a child run across a busy street, etc, yet so many people are quick to ignore something so serious.

And yet you were able to say it without being rude, judgemental, or aggressive. Which was entirely my point.

Edited December 16, 2010 by Krikit

[tbaygrrl 2]

Ontario law of when you can legally move from booster seats to adult seatbelt

A child can start using a seatbelt alone once any one of the following criteria is met:

• child turns eight years old
• child weighs 36 kg (80 lb.)
• child is 145 cm (4 feet-9 inches) tall.

As Lorus suggested, have your children carry their booster seat and gate check them. It sounds like legally neither of your children can be out of a booster seat under Ontario Law. As vehicle accidents are the #1 reason for childhood fatalities, the OPP and city police are very serious about inforcing this law, which is understandable as they are your most precious cargo.

In summary, bring the boosters!

[neiks 19]

I may be wrong but can a person not rent car seats from car rental companies? Or maybe that is only if you are renting the car? Maybe something to check into?

[Arabella 4]

Thanks for the information guys! Yeah, I know you can gate check car seats for free. I've traveled plenty with strollers and car seats.

Roads in Canada are definately different from Florida. In fact it looks like Florida, Texas, Arizona and Alaska (??) have the youngest requirements for child booster seats. http://www.elitecarseats.com/custserv/custserv.jsp?pageName=car_seat_laws

Like I said in my original post, my kids use booster seats at home, I just wasn't sure what the law was in Canada to know if bringing them was a must.

[Hugglebuggles 60]

How much do booster seats run? $20? $30? I have absolutely no clue, but it may be easier to just buy them when you get there? Or like Neiks said, maybe the rental car company would have them available? I would absolutely hate to lug them around too. I can understand where you're coming from. And you know if you have the kids carry them, they will at some point become in your hands!

I don't have kids, so I'm definitely not the one to ask, but I don't remember ever sitting in a booster seat. I can guarantee you that I didn't have one until I was 8...