Seat belts and child seats in Ontario (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: Seat belts must be worn where provided, and a driver may not carry a passenger under 16 unless that passenger is belted or in a required child restraint. Passengers under 8 are classed by weight and height for rear-facing, child and booster seats, with a booster seat from 18 kg to under 36 kg while under 145 cm. The fine is CAD 200 to CAD 1,000, and a driver without a belt also gets 2 demerit points.
| 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 | Passengers under 8 are classed by weight: under 9 kg rear-facing infant seat; 9 kg to under 18 kg child restraint system; 18 kg to under 36 kg and under 145 cm tall booster seat (or child restraint system). [2] |
| Children in the front seatPassenger cars | A child who weighs 18 kg to under 36 kg and is under 145 cm tall may not be secured in a seating position with a front air bag that has not been turned off or cannot be turned off. [2] |
| Rear-facing child seat in front with active airbagPassenger cars | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Booster seat untilPassenger cars | A child under 8 who weighs 18 kg to under 36 kg and is under 145 cm tall must use a booster seat with the full seat belt, or a suitable child seat. [2] |
| Fine for not wearing a seat beltPassenger cars | A fine of CAD 200 to CAD 1,000. A driver convicted of not wearing a seat belt also gets 2 demerit points. [1] |
Sources
- Government of Ontario: Highway Traffic Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. H.8, section 106 (e-Laws) (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- Government of Ontario: Regulation 613, Seat Belt Assemblies, R.R.O. 1990 (e-Laws) (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
Ontario 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| Manitoba | Yes | Yes | Under 9, 36 kg and 145 cm (all three) | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Quebec | Yes | Yes | Under 9 or under 145 cm | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified |
More rules in Ontario
- 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 supervising driver
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Power-assisted bicycle · Minimum age: 16 years
- Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: Yes · Current adult minimum wage (gross): $17.95 per hour
- Using a mobile phone while drivingHolding a phone while driving banned: Banned · Hands-free use: Hands-free, touch limited
- Tobacco and nicotine age limitsMinimum age to buy tobacco: 19 · Minimum age to buy e-cigarettes: 19
- Drink-driving limitsBlood alcohol limit for ordinary drivers: 0.05% (7-day suspension) · Lower limit for novice or young drivers: Zero if 21 or under or G1/G2/M1/M2
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.