Seat belts and child seats in British Columbia (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: A person in a vehicle must wear the seat belt where the seat has one; the ticket is CAD 167. Children under 9 must use an infant seat, child seat or booster seat according to age, weight and height, with a booster seat until 145 cm. A rear-facing seat may not be used where the front airbag is active.
| 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 | Children under 9 must be in a rear-facing infant seat until age 1 and 9 kg, then a forward-facing child seat until 18 kg, then a booster seat until they reach 145 cm, then the seat belt. [2] |
| Children in the front seatPassenger cars | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Rear-facing child seat in front with active airbagPassenger cars | No [2] |
| Booster seat untilPassenger cars | A child under 9 who has outgrown the forward-facing child seat (18 kg or more) must use a booster seat with the vehicle seat belt until the child is 145 cm tall. [2] |
| Fine for not wearing a seat beltPassenger cars | Ticketed amount CAD 167 (fine of CAD 145 plus CAD 22 victim surcharge), reduced to CAD 142 if paid within 30 days. [3] |
Notes
- Section 36.01 defines a child as a person under 9. The stages apply to those children; the booster requirement ends at 145 cm height.
Sources
- King's Printer, British Columbia: Motor Vehicle Act [RSBC 1996] chapter 318, section 220 (Seat belt assembly) (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- King's Printer, British Columbia: Motor Vehicle Act Regulations, B.C. Reg. 26/58, Division 36 - Child Seating and Restraint Systems (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- King's Printer, British Columbia: Violation Ticket Administration and Fines Regulation, B.C. Reg. 89/97, Schedule 3 (consolidation current to 29 September 2026) (consulted 10 October 2026) · all sources
British Columbia 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| British Columbia | Yes | Yes | Booster until 145 cm (children under 9) | ⚠ Not yet verified | No: not with an active front airbag |
| Alberta | Yes | Yes | Under 6 and 18 kg or less; no booster law | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Yukon | Yes | Yes | Under 6: prescribed child restraint | ⚠ 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 British Columbia
- CannabisPossession for personal use: Legal within limits (19+) · Growing at home: Yes, up to 4 plants per home
- Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 50 km/h · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 80 km/h
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceEarliest age to drive a car supervised: 16, with a supervisor aged 22+ (from 19 Oct 2026)
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Cycle (motor assisted cycle) · Minimum age: 14 (light) or 16 (standard)
- Fireworks
- Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: Yes · Current adult minimum wage (gross): $18.25 per hour
- Using a mobile phone while drivingHolding a phone while driving banned: Banned · Hands-free use: Hands-free, conditions apply
- Tobacco and nicotine age limitsMinimum age to buy tobacco: 19 · Minimum age to buy e-cigarettes: 19
- Drinking age and alcohol salesMinimum age to buy beer and wine: 19 · Minimum age to buy spirits: 19
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.