Seat belts and child seats in Quebec (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: Every person in a moving vehicle must wear the seat belt of the seat; the fine is CAD 200 to CAD 300. Every child under 9 years old or under 145 cm tall must be restrained by a restraint system or booster seat suited to the child's height and weight.
| 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 restraint system or booster seat is required for every child under 9 years old or under 145 cm tall; it must suit the child's height and weight. [1] |
| 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 | A child under 9 or under 145 cm tall must use a restraint system or booster seat suited to the child's height and weight. [1] |
| Fine for not wearing a seat beltPassenger cars | A fine of CAD 200 to CAD 300. [1] |
Sources
- Government of Quebec: Highway Safety Code, CQLR c. C-24.2, sections 396 and 397 (Internet Archive snapshot of 28 January 2026) (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
Quebec 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Quebec | Yes | Yes | Under 9 or under 145 cm | ⚠ 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 |
| New Brunswick | Yes | Yes | Under 9, 36 kg and 145 cm (all three) | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| 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 |
More rules in Quebec
- CannabisPossession for personal use: Legal within limits (21+) · Growing at home: No
- 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 accompanying driver (2+ years)
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Bicycle rules · Minimum age: 18 (14-17 with moped licence)
- Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: Yes · Current adult minimum wage (gross): $16.60 per hour
- Using a mobile phone while drivingHolding a phone while driving banned: Banned · Hands-free use: Hands-free allowed
- Tobacco and nicotine age limits
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.