When it comes to the decision to no longer put your child in a booster seat, there are some things experts want you to consider beyond just the law.
In Ontario, legally, children must be secured in an appropriate car seat or booster seat until they are at least 8-years-old, weigh 36 kg (80 lb), or stand 145 cm (4’9″) tall.
Teresa Di Felice is the Assistant Vice President of Government & Community Relations at CAA South Central Ontario. She says while the law states you only need to eclipse one of the three thresholds, she believes hitting at least two is important.
The shoulder strap must be centered over the shoulder and chest, not the neck or face, and the lap belt must cross over the hips, not the stomach.
Drivers can face a $240 fine and two demerit points for failing to properly secure a child.
Now, what about sitting in the front seat? Di Felice says while not legally mandated, there is a magic number experts agree on.
Parents should also consider factors such as proper seatbelt fit, the child’s ability to sit still and upright, and check to see whether the vehicle offers features like airbag deactivation switches.
Written by: J. Mercier