Child car seats: a matter of safety

  • July 12, 2023
  • Road accident, Family, Transports
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Smiling little girl sitting in child car seat
Corps

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:

When the child weighs 18 kg (40 lbs):

Until age 9 (or 145 cm):

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.


Also see: Cell phones and driving: laying down the law