Should Alberta Update Child Safety Seat Laws Based on Height Instead of Weight?

Official title: Child safety seat consultation

Closed Regulations & Permits Health & Safety Transportation
Alberta asked parents whether child car seat laws should change. Right now, kids under 6 who weigh less than 40 lbs need a safety seat. But health experts say height matters more than weight. The province wanted to know how updated rules would affect families.

Why This Matters

Got kids? This affects you. Child safety seats reduce fatal injuries by 71%. But Alberta's current rules are based on outdated science. If you've ever wondered when your child can switch to a booster seat, clearer rules could help.

What Could Change

Alberta may update its Traffic Safety Act to require child safety seats based on height and age rather than weight. The law could specify which type of seat is required at each stage. Parents would have clearer guidance on when to transition between rear-facing, forward-facing, and booster seats.

Key Issues

  • Should child safety seat requirements be based on height and age instead of weight?
  • Should the law specify which type of seat (rear-facing, forward-facing, booster) is required?
  • How would updated rules affect Alberta families?

What Happened

Albertans provided feedback through an online survey that closed on April 6, 2018. The feedback will help inform potential changes to Alberta's child car seat safety regulations.

Key Documents