Road Safety

Take Precautions!

Buy it in Canada
All child car seats sold in Canada must meet Transport Canada safety standards. Check that the seat carries the Transport Canada compliance label before you use it. You should also be aware that it is illegal to use of a car seat purchased in the U.S.

Service Life of a Seat
Before you use a seat, check the expiry date indicated by the manufacturer. If the expiry date is not indicated on the seat, check the Transport Canada Web site. It is important to respect the service life of a seat because over time:

• exposure to sunlight and frequent use can damage the plastic;
• food, beverages, cleaning products and other products that may have been spilled on it or used on harness straps, buckles, adjustment clips and other parts can make it unsafe;
• safety regulations and standards may have changed, and the seat may no longer meet compliance standards or safer seats may be available;
• it becomes difficult to assess or check a seat's history and condition, for example, by answering the following questions: Has it been in an accident? Have recall notices issued by the manufacturer been sent to the current owner? Has it been stored in a location or in a manner that may have damaged it? Have the safety instructions been misplaced? Are safety labels still on the seat and legible?

Manufacturer's Specifications
Check that your child's height and weight meet the manufacturer's specifications indicated on the seat.

After an Accident
You should replace the car seat. SAAQ recommends including costs to replace a car seat in an insurance claim. It is therefore important to keep the receipt when you buy a new car seat.

The Registration Card
Fill out the registration card and return it to the manufacturer. If the seat is recalled, the manufacturer will be able to contact you.

Instructions: Important!
Follow all of the instructions provided by the car seat manufacturer. Also check your vehicle owner's manual when installing the seat.

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