Child Safety Seats

New regulations

Starting July 1, 2008, new regulations will take effect. All drivers will be responsible for transporting all children in an age- and weight-appropriate child seat until their 9th birthday unless they have reached the height of 145cm (4'9") tall.

Child safety seats save lives

A British Columbia-wide child safety seat study shows that while 95% of babies and toddlers are restrained in the vehicle, more than half of the child safety seats have installation or use problems that could compromise the child’s safety. The good news is that often only a few simple adjustments can make the difference and can help to ensure that your loved one is as safe as possible in the vehicle. A correctly installed and used child safety seat can reduce the risk of injury and death by up to 85%.

Download and print our Infant and Child Safety Seats fact sheet.[PDF]

Protect your child in the vehicle

Follow these four simple rules to help you ensure your child’s safety:

  • Make sure your infant or child is restrained on every trip — even short ones.
  • Put your child in the back seat — in most cases, that’s the safest position in the vehicle.
  • Use the appropriate child safety seat for your young one’s age, weight and size. For more information, scroll down and go to the stage that’s right for your child.
  • Buy your child safety seat or booster seat in Canada to ensure that it meets Canada’s rigorous standards and regulations. Seats bought in other countries are not legal for use in Canada and may not protect your child in a crash.
  • Ensure that you install and use the child safety seat correctly.

The four stages for your child’s protection

Just as children grow and change, their needs relating to protection in the vehicle also change. There are four different stages of protection:

While age is not the only factor to consider, it is a quick reference and a great place to start. For more information, go to the appropriate stage for your child.

The Child Passenger Safety Program

BCAA’s Traffic Safety Foundation, together with program partner ICBC, has developed a comprehensive Child Passenger Safety Program to help you ensure your child’s safety on the road. It includes:

  • Toll–free child seat information line: 1-877-247-5551. Speak with a certified child passenger safety technician (Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
  • Child Safety Seat Inspection Checks
  • Boost BC, a program to increase the use of booster seats
  • Information sessions for professional and community groups

We are here for your child’s safety!

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