All Canadian provinces and territories require children under a certain age or weight to be restrained in an approved child restraint system. The specific requirements vary from province to province, but generally, children under the age of 5 or weighing less than 40 pounds must be in a car seat.
United States
All 50 states and the District of Columbia have laws requiring children to be restrained in car seats. The specific requirements vary from state to state, but generally, children under the age of 8 or weighing less than 80 pounds must be in a car seat.
Europe
European Union (EU) law requires all children under the age of 12 or shorter than 135 cm to be restrained in an approved child restraint system. This includes all children, regardless of their weight.
Other countries
Car seat laws vary widely around the world. Some countries have very strict laws, while others have no laws at all. It is important to research the car seat laws in the country you are visiting before you travel.
History of car seat laws
The first car seat law was passed in the United States in 1978. This law required children under the age of 5 to be restrained in a car seat. The law was later revised to require children under the age of 8 to be in a car seat.
In Canada, the first car seat law was passed in 1980. This law required children under the age of 2 to be restrained in a car seat. The law was later revised to require children under the age of 5 to be in a car seat.
In Europe, the first car seat law was passed in 1989. This law required children under the age of 4 to be restrained in a car seat. The law was later revised to require children under the age of 12 or shorter than 135 cm to be in a car seat.
Car seat laws have saved thousands of lives and prevented countless serious injuries. They are an essential part of keeping children safe on the road.
