New booster seat regulations

B5

BY CONST. ED TURGEON

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Effective May 1, 2008, the Motor Vehicle Act has adopted new regulations in regards to the use of booster seats for children that don't meet certain criteria. We have had numerous questions in regards to these regulations so I will try to explain them to make the matter easier to understand.

First of all, what is a booster seat? It's not a box, it's not a thick telephone book or encyclopedia, and it's not a pile of clothes. It is a seat that is approved by the province (there will be an approval stamp on the side of the seat) that lifts up the passenger in order for the regular seat belt to work as it is designed to do.

Under section 200.1(6) of the Motor Vehicle Act, all vehicle passengers must use the standard seatbelt restraint if they meet any of the following criteria:

1) are at least nine years of age

2) weigh more than 36 kg (80 lbs)

3) are at least 145 cm (4'9") tall.

If your child is under nine years of age, less than 80 lbs and shorter than 4' 9" tall then they must be in a child seat or booster seat.

The following is a general rule of thumb when it comes to deciding what type of child seat or booster seat you will need:

If your child is newborn to about 1 year old (roughly 10kg or 22 lbs), then a rear-facing child seat should be used.

If your child is 10kg (22 lbs) to 18 kg (40 lbs) or around one year to four-and-a-half years old, then a forward-facing child seat is generally used.

If your child is 18 kg (40 lbs) until they meet one of the following — (nine years of age, 36 kg (80 lbs) or are 145 cm (4'9") tall) — then a booster seat should be used.

Note, this guideline was taken from the NB Medical Society — Atlantic Health Sciences Corporation.

Obviously, these standards were put in place to ensure that seat belt restraints worked to the best of their abilities and any such law is always established with passenger safety in mind. I could go into all of the studies that were carried out however that would take me forever.

The fine for not adhering to the above regulations is $172.50. However, it's not the fine that should ensure people follow these regulations, it's the safety of your child.

I hope I have clarified any questions or concerns you may have had about which type of car seat or booster seat is good for your child.

Be safe.