Seat Belts

There are two types of seat belts:

  • Lap/shoulder
  • Lap only

The lap/shoulder seat belt provides the best protection in a crash. Without a shoulder belt, the upper body of a child will be thrown forward. This can result in serious head, internal and/or back injuries.

Children over 9 years old or over 145 cm (4’9″) must use a lap/shoulder seat belt if one is available, even if that means the child must sit in the front passenger seat. Children take priority over adults in using a lap/shoulder seat belt. If your child needs to sit in the front passenger seat, move the vehicle seat as far back as it will go so the child is more than 30 cm (12″) away from the dash.

Using a seat belt

To correctly use a seat belt make sure:

  • the lap belt is snug across the hips – not the stomach
  • the shoulder belt lies over the middle of the shoulder and across the chest – never behind the back or under the arm
  • the seat belt is done up
  • only one child per seat belt – never share

Some people think the seat belt poses a danger when it rubs against a child’s neck. Although this can be uncomfortable for the child, it has not been shown to cause serious harm. Sometimes the child will place the shoulder belt behind their back or under their arm to be more comfortable. This creates an unsafe situation that can result in serious injury.

If the shoulder belt rubs against the child’s neck, they probably need to use a booster seat.

Aftermarket Products – There are products sold in Canada that are made to adjust the shoulder belt so it does not rub on the child’s neck. These types of products are called ‘aftermarket’ products. Aftermarket products are not regulated and therefore the safety of these products is unknown. There is a chance that these products could interfere with how the seat belt works. Transport Canada – Consumer Information Notice

Print This Page