Safety belts save lives, but used alone, they could expose a young child to injury. If an accident occurs, use of an adapted car seat reduces the risk of death or serious injury by up to 70%.
In Québec, using a car seat adapted to the child’s weight and weight is obligatory until age 9 or the child is 145 cm. tall, whichever comes first.
Whether in a car seat or not, a child 12 years old or younger must always sit in the back seat.
The right seat at the right time
Here are a few tips for properly choosing and using a child car seat at every stage of the child’s growth.
Important: make sure to comply with the manufacturer’s limits as to the child’s weight and height. Follow the instructions for installation and use that come with the car seat.
From birth until at least 2 years of age:
- Use a rear-facing seat. Keep the seat facing backwards as long as possible, even if the child’s leg is slightly bent.
- Attach the seat securely to the seat of the vehicle by means of the universal anchorage system or a locked seat belt.
- Use the 5-point harness provided with the seat to keep the child in place. Make sure to adjust the harness correctly.
When the child weighs 18 kg (40 lbs):
- The seat may be put in a forward-facing position.
- Seats with a 5-point harness are no longer mandatory. However, it is recommended that they be used until the child reaches the weight and height indicated by the manufacturer.
Until age 9 (or 145 cm):
- Move on to a booster seat without a harness only if allows you to properly position the vehicle seat belt. The tether straps must cross over the middle of the child’s shoulder (not in front of the neck) and over the child’s hips (and not the abdomen).
- The back of a booster seat must not be attached to the vehicle.
Using a car seat that was not bought in Canada is illegal because the seat may not comply with Canadian safety standards. Note as well that all car seats have an expiration date.
What about taxis?
Child car seats remain highly recommended. If a taxi does not have an adapted seat, strap the child in with the seat belt if they able to sit upright. In the case of a baby, fasten your seat belt first, then hold the child in your arms. Don’t buckle up together. You could crush the child if there is a collision.
To find out more
For more information about child car seat rules, see the Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ) website or this brochure.
Are you dissatisfied with SAAQ services? Contact the Protecteur du citoyen. We handle complaints concerning Government of Québec departments and agencies free of charge and in strict confidence.
