Child car seats: what the law says
Whether you're shopping for a new or used vehicle, there are several things to watch out for and things to consider if you have a family, especially with one or more babies, if not young children. We talked about this in a previous article for new parents
Trunk space, rear seat access, various on-board amenities and safety features such as rear occupant alerts are among them, not to mention everything to do with child seats and how to secure them.
For example, did you know that you don't always have to remove a second-row infant seat to access third-row seats? Some companies like Nissan/Infiniti have developed mechanisms that allow the second row seat to recline and slide out even with a baby seat in place. How convenient!
Rules to follow
Child safety in the car is a serious matter. According to CAA-Quebec, a properly installed and adequate car seat can reduce the risk of death or serious injury in a road accident by up to 70%.
As of April 18, 2019, the Quebec Highway Safety Code states that only a child who is at least 145 cm tall or at least 9 years old can use a seat belt alone.
If the child is not tall enough and their legs are not long enough to bend their knees over the edge of the seat, they are not ready to use the seat belt without a seat. Therefore, you should continue to use a booster seat that is appropriate for his or her weight and height, even if the child is 63 cm (25 in.) or taller when seated."
The Société de l'assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ) also reminds us that a child should be placed in a baby seat until he or she reaches a weight of 10 kg, in a child seat if he or she weighs more than 10 kg and less than 18 kg, and in a booster seat only if he or she weighs more than 18 kg.
The Child Car Seat Inspection Network, set up by the SAAQ in collaboration with CAA-Quebec, is present throughout the province. Car dealerships, garages, police forces and health and social services centers have been trained to sustained standards.
Don't forget the expiration date
Even child car seats have an expiration date. Over time, the seat's plastic and straps can become damaged and not do their job well in an impact. While there is no current law requiring it, it is important to change them once their useful life has been reached. This information is usually indicated on the seat, along with the date of manufacture. If you cannot find it, do not hesitate to contact the manufacturer to obtain it.
The Government of Canada also provides a list that summarizes the useful life of the different models of child seats sold on the market. Depending on the brand, this can vary between 6 and 12 years.
