Seat belts and child seats in Manitoba (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: The driver and passengers must wear the seat belt where the seat has one; the preset fine is CAD 298. A child must use a child restraining device, which can be a booster seat, if the child is under 9, weighs under 36 kg and is under 145 cm tall.
| 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 restraining device is required for a passenger who is under 9 years old, weighs under 36 kg and is under 145 cm tall (all three conditions). [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 | There is no separate booster stage: a passenger under 9 who weighs under 36 kg and is under 145 cm tall must use a child restraining device suited to their age, weight and height. A booster seat counts, and must be used with the seat belt. [2] |
| Fine for not wearing a seat beltPassenger cars | Preset total fine CAD 298 (fine category F) for a driver or passenger not wearing the seat belt. [3] |
Sources
- Government of Manitoba: The Highway Traffic Act, C.C.S.M. c. H60, section 186 (Seat belts and child restraints) (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- Government of Manitoba: Child Restraining Devices Regulation, M.R. 89/2013 (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- Government of Manitoba (Manitoba Laws): Preset Fines and Offence Descriptions Regulation, M.R. 96/2017, Schedules A and B (consulted 10 October 2026) · all sources
Manitoba 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manitoba | Yes | Yes | Under 9, 36 kg and 145 cm (all three) | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Saskatchewan | Yes | Yes | 18 kg or less: child seat; under 7, to 145 cm: booster | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Ontario | Yes | Yes | Under 8: seat by weight; booster 18-36 kg, under 145 cm | Not with a front air bag that is on or cannot be turned off | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Nunavut | Yes | Yes | Under 18 kg: child restraint system | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified |
More rules in Manitoba
- CannabisPossession for personal use: Legal within limits (19+) · Growing at home: Yes, up to 4 plants (since 1 May 2025)
- Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 50 km/h · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 90 km/h
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceEarliest age to drive a car supervised: 16, with an experienced supervisor
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Power-assisted bicycle · Minimum age: 14 years
- Fireworks
- Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: Yes · Current adult minimum wage (gross): $16.40 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
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.