Seat belts and child seats in Alberta (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: Drivers and passengers must wear an occupant restraint, and the fine for not complying is CAD 211. Children under 6 who weigh 18 kg or less must be in a child restraint. Booster seats are not required by law; children aged 6 to 15, or over 18 kg, must wear a seat belt.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Seat belt compulsory in front seatsPassenger cars | Yes [1] |
| Seat belt compulsory in rear seatsPassenger cars | Yes [1] |
| Child restraint required untilPassenger cars | A child restraint is required for children younger than 6 who weigh 18 kg or less. Children aged 6 to 15, and younger children over 18 kg, must wear a seat belt. Booster seats are not required by law. [2] |
| Children in the front seatPassenger cars | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Rear-facing child seat in front with active airbagPassenger cars | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Booster seat untilPassenger cars | Booster seats are not required by law. Children aged 6 to 15, or who weigh more than 18 kg (40 lb), must wear a seat belt. [2] |
| Fine for not wearing a seat beltPassenger cars | CAD 211 for not complying with occupant restraint laws. [1] |
Sources
- Government of Alberta: Occupant restraint laws (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- Government of Alberta: Child seats (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
Alberta and neighbouring provinces and territories
| Province or territory | Seat belt compulsory in front seats | Seat belt compulsory in rear seats | Child restraint required until | Children in the front seat | Rear-facing child seat in front with active airbag |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alberta | Yes | Yes | Under 6 and 18 kg or less; no booster law | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| British Columbia | Yes | Yes | Booster until 145 cm (children under 9) | ⚠ Not yet verified | No: not with an active front airbag |
| Saskatchewan | Yes | Yes | 18 kg or less: child seat; under 7, to 145 cm: booster | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Northwest Territories | Yes | Yes | Infant <9 kg rear-facing; 9-18 kg restraint; <15 belt | ⚠ Not yet verified | No |
More rules in Alberta
- CannabisPossession for personal use: Legal within limits (18+) · Growing at home: Yes, up to 4 plants per home
- Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 50 km/h · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 100 km/h (standard)
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 16 (Class 5-GDL, after 12 months as a learner) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 14, with a supervisor aged over 18
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Power bicycle: a cycle, not a motor vehicle · Minimum age: 12 (consent if under 18)
- Fireworks
- Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: Yes · Current adult minimum wage (gross): $15.00 per hour
- Using a mobile phone while drivingHolding a phone while driving banned: Banned · Hands-free use: Hands-free allowed
- Tobacco and nicotine age limitsMinimum age to buy tobacco: 18 · Minimum age to buy e-cigarettes: 18
- Drinking age and alcohol salesMinimum age to buy beer and wine: 18 · Minimum age to buy spirits: 18
- Drink-driving limitsBlood alcohol limit for ordinary drivers: 0.05% (3-day suspension) · Lower limit for novice or young drivers: Zero; 30-day suspension
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.