Car Booster Seat Laws have been instituted in Several States and Counties in the US for effectively preventing Injuries and Other Fatalities.
A booster seat is designed specifically to increase safety, reduce injuries, and save lives. It’s imperative that your child be kept safely restrained in a device that fits their needs.
In the event of an accident, booster seats are crucial for child’s safety when operating a vehicle and can help avert serious injuries or fatalities. The highest standards of comfort and safety are built into high-quality booster seats.
They include a number of features that are especially made for older kids, like deep or expandable side wings, an Active Head Restraint (AHRTM), and side impact cushions. It’s legal to use booster seats or booster cushions as car seats for children, but the rules differ depending on whether the seats are old or new.
Since 1 March 2017, backless booster seats can only be used with children taller than 125cm and weighing more than 22kg. However, backless booster seats made before this date are still legal and approved for use by children weighing 15-36kg.
Car Booster Seat Laws in USA
British Columbia
Motor Vehicle Act, Division 36 – Child Seating and Restraint Systems
Children must ride in a rear-facing car seat until they are a minimum of 12 months old and a minimum of 20 pounds (9 kg). Children between 20 pounds (9 kg) and 40 pounds (18 kg) must ride in a forward-facing car seat that is, in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, suitable for the child’s height and weight. A child may remain rear-facing if allowed by the seat’s weight limits.
Children must ride in a booster seat until they are a minimum of 4 feet, 9 inches (145 cm) tall or a minimum of 9 years old.
Alberta
Traffic Safety Act, Vehicle Equipment Regulation s.82
Children must ride in a car seat until they are a minimum of 6 years old or over 40 pounds (18 kg).
Saskatchewan
Traffic Safety Act s.248 (4)(b)
Children must ride in a car seat until they are a minimum of 40 pounds (18 kg).
Children must ride in a booster seat until they are a minimum of 4 feet, 9 inches (145 cm) tall and 80 pounds (36 kg), or a minimum of 7 years old.
Manitoba
Highway Traffic Act s.186(9)
Highway Traffic Act Child Restraining Devices Regulation
Children must ride in an appropriate child restraining device until they are a minimum of 4 feet, 9 inches (145 cm) tall or a minimum of 80 pounds (36 kg), or a minimum of 9 years old.
Ontario
Highway Traffic Act, Regulation 613 – Seat Belt Assemblies
Children must ride in a rear-facing car seat until they are a minimum of 20 pounds (9 kg). Children between 20 pounds (9 kg) and 40 pounds (18 kg) must ride in an appropriate car seat.
Children must ride in a booster seat until they are a minimum of 4 feet, 9 inches (145 cm) tall, or a minimum of 80 pounds (36 kg), or a minimum of 8 years old.
Quebec
Highway Safety Code s.397
Children must ride in the appropriate car seat or booster seat until they are a minimum of 4 feet, 9 inches (145 cm) tall or a minimum of 9 years old.
New Brunswick
Seat Belt Regulation – Motor Vehicle Act
Children must ride in a properly secured, appropriate car seat or booster seat until they are a minimum of 4 feet, 9 inches (145 cm) tall, or a minimum of 80 pounds (36 kg), or a minimum of 9 years old.
Nova Scotia
Seat Belt and Child Restraint System Regulations – Motor Vehicle Act
Children must ride in a rear-facing car seat until they are a minimum of one year old and a minimum of 22 pounds (10 kg). Children between 22 pounds (10 kg) and 40 pounds (18 kg) must ride in an appropriate car seat. Children must ride in a booster seat until they are a minimum of 4 feet, 9 inches (145 cm) tall, or a minimum of 9 years old.
Prince Edward Island
Highway Traffic Act – Seat Belt Regulations
Children must ride in a rear-facing car seat until they are a minimum of one year old and a minimum of 22 pounds (10 kg). Children between 22 pounds (10 kg) and 40 pounds (18 kg) must ride in an appropriate car seat.
Children must ride in a booster seat when they are 40 pounds (18 kg) or more until they are a minimum of 4 feet, 9 inches (145 cm) tall, , or a minimum of 10 years old or exceeding the manufacturer’s weight limit.
Newfoundland and Labrador
Highway Traffic Act s.178.1
Children must ride in a rear-facing car seat until they are a minimum of 20 pounds (9 kg). Children must ride in an appropriate car seat until they are a minimum of 40 pounds (18 kg).
Children must ride in a booster seat when they are a minimum of 40 pounds (18 kg) until they are a minimum of 9 years old, or until they are a minimum of 81.5 pounds (37 kg) and 4 feet, 9 inches (145 cm) tall.
Yukon
Motor Vehicles Act
Children must ride in a rear-facing car seat until they are a minimum of 22 pounds (10 kg) and walking unassisted. Children between 22 pounds (10 kg) and 48 pounds (22 kg) must ride in an appropriate car seat.
Children must ride in a booster seat until they are a minimum of 4 feet, 9 inches (145 cm) tall or 100 pounds (45 kg).
Northwest Territories
Seat Belt Assembly and Child Restraint System Regulations – Motor Vehicles Act
Children must ride in a rear-facing car seat until they are a minimum of 20 pounds (9 kg). Children between 20 pounds (9 kg) and 40 pounds (18 kg) must ride in an appropriate car seat.
Nunavut
Seat Belt Assembly and Child Restraint System Regulations – Motor Vehicles Act
Children must ride in a rear-facing car seat until they are a minimum of 20 pounds (9 kg). Children between 20 pounds (9 kg) and 40 pounds (18 kg) must ride in an appropriate car seat.
Conclusion
In conclusion, booster seats play a vital role in safeguarding children while riding in cars.
They help address the limitations of adult seat belts for smaller passengers, ensuring that the seat belt fits properly and reduces the risk of injury in the event of a collision.
Following guidelines and laws regarding the appropriate use of booster seats is crucial to ensure the safety and well-being of children during car travel.
Also Read: Wisconsin Window Tint Law
FAQ’s
When can child go from car seat to booster?
4 – 7 Years. Keep your child in a forward-facing car seat with a harness and tether until he or she reaches the top height or weight limit allowed by your car seat’s manufacturer. Once your child outgrows the forward-facing car seat with a harness, it’s time to travel in a booster seat, but still in the back seat.
When can a child stop using a booster seat in Ontario?
8 years old
Child can use a seatbelt alone when they reach any of the following milestones: turns 8 years old. weighs 36 kg (80 lb ) reaches a height of 145 cm (4 ft 9 in ) or more.
Do booster seats expire?
Car seats and booster seats typically expire after six years; however, check under the seat or on the frame of your particular model to find the specific expiration date. Try to always buy new a car seat when your current model has passed its expiration date or after any car accidents.
When can my child ride without a booster seat Florida?
Florida law allows a child to stop using a booster seat and begin using a seat belt when they turn six years old. For most kids, this is way too young. All safety experts agree that children should be at least 4’9” tall and at least eight years old before they begin using an adult seat belt.
Can a 9 year old sit in the front seat?
While airbags are meant to protect adults from harm in a car crash, they can’t protect children sitting in the front seat. As a result, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that all children under age 13 buckle up in the back seat for safety.