Child Car Seats and the Law
New laws in effect July 1, 2008
Just like seat belts, child car seats and booster seats save lives. As of July 1, 2008, new laws will provide more protection to children in BC. They will require all drivers to be responsible for transporting all children in an age- and weight - appropriate child car seat until their 9th birthday unless they have reached the height of 145 cm (4'9") tall. Ensure that your child is always properly restrained — no matter who is driving.
Summary of the new laws
Following is a brief, plain language summary of the new child seating and restraint systems regulations that come into effect July 1, 2008. For a copy of the regulations, click here. [PDF] As of July 1, 2008 all drivers MUST make sure that all children (under 16 years) are restrained appropriately as described below:
Up to one year AND 9 kg (20 lb.)
- Rear-facing child car seat
- NOT on a front seat with an active air bag
Over one year AND 9 kg to 18 Kg (20 to 40 LB.)
- Forward-facing child car seat
- May remain rear-facing if allowed by manufacturer’s weight limit
Over 18 kg (40 lb.) until 9th birthday unless they have reached 145 cm (4'9") in height
- Booster seat and lap/shoulder seat belt
- May remain in forward-facing child car seat with harness if allowed by manufacturer’s weight limit
- If no lap/shoulder seat belt, must be secured without a booster seat by a lap belt
After 9th birthday
- Seat belt
- May remain in booster seat if allowed by manufacturer’s weight limit
All child car seats must be used according to manufacturer’s instructions and vehicle owner’s manual.
Child car seats purchased outside Canada are not approved for use in BC.
A few words about correct use and installation
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and read your vehicle owner’s manual to ensure that you are using and installing your child seat correctly.
- Use the quick checklist in each of the four stages to see if you are correctly using and installing your seat.
- Call the Child Seat Information Line (1-877-247-5551) to speak with a Certified Child Passenger Safety Educator (Monday to Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m)
- Come to a Child Seat Check [PDF].
BCAA Traffic Safety Foundation/ICBC Child Passenger Safety Program