INFANT AND CHILD PASSENGER REGULATIONS
Changes to BC Laws Effective July 1, 2008 |
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For children in BC, motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of death and injury resulting in hospitalization- an average of 1,387 children under age nine are injured every year and four are killed in motor vehicle crashes. Research shows that a correctly used child safety seat reduces the risk of fatality by 71 per cent and the risk of serious injury by 67 per cent. In additioin, the use of child restraints represents significant health care cost savings.
BC's child passenger safety regulations, though progressive at the time, have not been updated since 1985. As new research and technology have been developed, the "best practices" for child passenger safety has also evolved since 1985.
Effective July 1, 2008, new regulations require that child passengers are appropriately secured according to their age and development.
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Infants
(birth to at least 12 months old and 9 kgs)
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Infants must travel in a rear-facing child seat away from an active frontal airbag until at least 12 months and 9kg (20 lbs).
It is safer for a child to remain rear-facing for as long as possible, up to the car seat's maximum weight or height limit.
Children who reach the upper weight limit of the rear-facing child seat but are still under 12 months of age will need a convertible child seat with a higher weight limit.
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| Young Children
(at least 1 year to approximately 4 1/2 years and 18 kgs)
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After reaching at least 12 months and 9 kg, (20 lbs), a child must be restrained in a child safety seat until at least 18 kg (40 lbs) and may travel in the forward-facing position.
It is safer for a child to remain in a child seat (five-point harness) for as long as possible, up to the car seat's maximum weight or height limit.
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| Older Children
(about 4 1/2 to at least 9 years)
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Child passengers who weigh at least 18 kg (40 lbs) must be restrained in a booster seat until they are at least 9 years old or reach 145 cm (4'9") tall.
Children who reach the upper weight limit of the booster seat but are still under nine years old and 145 cm (4'9") tall will need a new booster seat with a higher weight limit. If a booster seat is not manufactured to the weight limit required, an exemption may be requested from their medical practitioner.
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| click here for more detailed information regarding the July 1, 2008 child seat regulations as published by ICBC. |
| Westside Fire/Rescue has certified Children's Restraint System Technicians. Please contact the fire department at 768-5616 extension 5 for an appointment for a car seat safety inspection. |
| The above information reflects the laws in British Columbia as of July 1st, 2008. You should be aware that laws might change from time to time, so for a current statement of the law, you should refer to the applicable legislation. This information is intended to provide general information only. It is not intended to provide legal or professional advice or to be relied on in any dispute, claim, action, demand or proceeding. Westside Fire/Rescue does not accept liability for any damage or injury resulting from reliance on the above information. |
