As parents, we always want to ensure the safety of our children while travelling in a car. One common question is when can your child sit in the front seat? In Ontario, there are certain rules and regulations that must be followed to ensure your child’s safety. Whether you’re planning a road trip or simply driving around town, it’s important to understand when it’s safe for your child to sit in the front seat. So let’s dive into everything you need to know about this topic!
When Can Child Sit in Front Seat in Ontario?
In Ontario, Canada, children under the age of 13 are not allowed to sit in the front seat of a vehicle. However, there are a few exceptions to this Ontarian rule:
- If the car only has two seats (e.g. a sports car), then the child may sit in the front seat
- If all of the other seats in the car are taken by other passengers 13 years of age or older, then the child may sit in the front seat
- If there is an emergency situation and all other seats are occupied, then the child may sit in the front seat.
Safety Rules for Children Sitting in the Front Seat
In Ontario, the law requires that all children under the age of 13 must sit in the back seat of a vehicle. This is to help protect them from serious injuries in the event of a collision.
There are some exceptions to this rule, however. If the back seat is not available (for example, if other passengers already occupy it), or if the child has a medical condition requiring them to sit in the front seat, they may do so.
If your child does have to sit in the front seat, there are some safety rules that you should follow:
- Ensure that they are properly restrained in a car seat or booster seat appropriate for their age and size
- Adjust the front passenger seat to push it as far back as possible. This will give your child more legroom and help protect them from being injured by an airbag
- Never allow your child to put their feet on the dashboard or windowsill. In a collision, they could be seriously injured by flying debris or deployed airbags.
Age Restrictions According to Ontario Regulations
In Ontario, the legal age for a child to sit in the front seat of a vehicle is 13 years old. This rule has certain exceptions, such as if the vehicle does not have a rear seat or if all other passengers are under 13. In these cases, the child may sit in the front seat but must be properly secured with an appropriate child safety seat or restraint system.
There are also height and weight restrictions for children sitting in the front seat. A child must weigh at least 80 lbs. and be at least 4’9″ tall to ride in the front passenger seat without a booster seat. If a child does not meet these requirements, they must use a booster seat to ride in the front seat safely.
Children under the age of 13 should always travel in the back seat of a car for their own safety. If you have any questions about age restrictions or child safety seats, please consult your local car dealership or police department.
Guidelines for Properly Securing Your Child
In Ontario, Canada, it is against the law to have a child under the age of 13 sit in the front seat of a vehicle. There are a few exceptions to this rule, such as if the car doesn’t have a back seat or if all other seats are occupied by children under the age of 13. If you must have your child sit in the front seat, there are a few guidelines you should follow to ensure their safety:
- Ensure they are properly buckled up in a child safety seat appropriate for their weight and height
- If your car has airbags, make sure they are turned off. Airbags can be dangerous for small children and can cause serious injuries or even death
- Never allow your child to stand up or move around while the car is moving. They could easily be injured if something happens unexpectedly.
Benefits of Placing a Child in the Back Seat
In Ontario, Canada, it is the law that infants and toddlers must be secured in a rear-facing car seat. This is because they are less likely to be severely injured in a collision if they are facing the back of the car. Additionally, placing your child in the back seat reduces the risk of injury if your vehicle is hit from behind.
Placing your child in the back seat also has some practical benefits. It can be easier to load and unload car seats from the backseat, and it can be simpler to strap your child into their car seat when they are facing backwards. It can be less distracting for you as the driver if your child is behind you rather than in front of you.
Penalties for Failing to Follow Child Car Safety Requirements
If you fail to follow the child car safety requirements in Ontario, you may be subject to a number of penalties. These include:
- A fine of up to $500
- A driver’s licence suspension of up to 30 days
In addition, if you are involved in an accident while failing to comply with the child car safety requirements, you could be charged with careless driving or dangerous driving causing bodily harm or death. These charges come with much harsher penalties, including jail time.
So it’s important to ensure you know and comply with Ontario’s child car safety requirements. Not only is it the law, but it’s also vital for keeping your children safe.
Conclusion
In Ontario, the law requires that children under the age of 13 must ride in a rear seat. If no suitable seating is available in the back, an appropriate child restraint system must be used for any child between 9 and 18 kg. Children over 18 kg may sit in either a booster seat or use a lap belt if they are tall enough to do so without assistance. It’s important for parents to ensure their children are properly restrained at all times when travelling in vehicles, as this can make all the difference should an accident occur.
FAQ – When Can Child Sit in Front Seat in Ontario?
How much does a child have to weigh to sit in the front seat in Ontario?
In Ontario, a child has to weigh at least 80 lbs (36 kg) to sit in the front seat. If the child doesn’t weigh enough, they must sit in the back seat.
Can a 7-year-old sit in the front seat near Toronto?
According to the Ontario Highway Traffic Act, a child under the age of 8 must be properly secured in a car seat or booster seat appropriate for their height and weight. They must also be seated in the back seat of the vehicle. If all of the back seats are occupied by other children under the age of 13, then the child may be seated in the front seat. However, the front airbag must be turned off for them to ride there safely.
How tall do you have to be to sit in the front seat in Canada?
In Canada, the legal height to sit in the front seat of a car is 145 cm (4’9″). If your child is under this height, they must sit in the back seat. There are a few exceptions to this Ontarian rule:
- If all other seats in the vehicle are occupied by children under the age of 12
- If the vehicle only has only two seats available
- If the vehicle does not have a passenger-side airbag
- If you are travelling in a taxi or other commercial vehicle
Is it illegal to have 6 passengers in a 5-passenger car in Ontario?
In Ontario, the Highway Traffic Act (HTA) does not prohibit having more than five people in a car. There are certain exceptions to the rule, though. For example, if you are transporting children under the age of 13, you can have up to seven people in your vehicle. In addition, if you are driving a van or SUV that is designed to seat more than seven people, you can have up to 10 people in your vehicle.
So, while it is not illegal to have six passengers in a five-passenger car in Ontario, there are some circumstances where it is not recommended. If you have any questions about the HTA or how it applies to your situation, contact a local police officer or licensed legal professional for guidance.
Does my 8-year-old need a booster seat in Ontario?
In Ontario, children under the age of 8 must be properly restrained in a booster seat or car seat that is appropriate for their height and weight. If your child is over eight years old but less than 145 cm (4 feet 9 inches) tall, they must use a booster seat. Booster seats help to position the seat belt correctly so it fits properly over the child’s shoulder and hip bones.
You can tell if a seat belt fits properly if:
- Instead of crossing the neck, the shoulder strap rests over the middle of the chest and shoulder
- The lap part of the belt is low across the hips and upper thighs, not the stomach
For children who have outgrown their booster seats but are still under 145 cm tall, it’s important to ensure they continue using a lap and shoulder seat belt.
