Seat belts and child seats in Newfoundland and Labrador (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: Seat belts must be worn where provided; the fine is CAD 100 to CAD 500. Children aged 8 or under must be in a child seat restraint system suited to their weight, with a booster seat from 18 kg to 37 kg while under 145 cm. A rear-facing infant seat may not be used where the seat has an active front air bag.
| 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 aged 8 or under must be in a child seat restraint system: a rear-facing infant seat under 9 kg, a child car seat from 9 kg to under 18 kg, and a booster seat with the seat belt (or a child car seat) from 18 kg to 37 kg while under 145 cm. [1] |
| Children in the front seatPassenger cars | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Rear-facing child seat in front with active airbagPassenger cars | No [1] |
| Booster seat untilPassenger cars | A child aged 8 or under who weighs 18 kg to 37 kg and is under 145 cm tall must use a booster seat with the full seat belt, or a suitable child car seat. [1] |
| Fine for not wearing a seat beltPassenger cars | A fine of CAD 100 to CAD 500 for a driver or passenger not wearing a seat belt. [1] |
Sources
- Government of Newfoundland and Labrador: Highway Traffic Act, RSNL 1990 c. H-3, ss. 178 and 178.1 (Internet Archive snapshot of 21 August 2026) (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
Newfoundland and Labrador 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Newfoundland and Labrador | Yes | Yes | Age 8 or under; booster 18-37 kg, under 145 cm | ⚠ Not yet verified | No: not with an active front air bag |
| Quebec | Yes | Yes | Under 9 or under 145 cm | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified |
More rules in Newfoundland and Labrador
- CannabisPossession for personal use: Legal within limits (19+) · Growing at home: Yes, up to 4 plants, in the dwelling
- Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 50 km/h · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 100 km/h
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceEarliest age to drive a car supervised: 16, with an experienced supervisor
- FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: Yes; retailers need a permit
- Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: Yes · Current adult minimum wage (gross): $16.35 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: 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.