At Poparide, safety is our top priority. Children and teenagers are welcome to travel, but anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Minors are not permitted to travel alone on Poparide, even if provincial safety regulations would otherwise allow it.
Provincial regulations on minors in vehicles
General guidelines for all provinces
Seat belt use
All minors must be properly secured using a seat belt or child safety device, depending on their age, weight, and height.
Proper car seats and booster seats
Provincial regulations often require children under a certain age, weight, or height to use a car seat or booster seat. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for proper installation and use.
Age limits for children in front seats
Many provinces have laws regarding the minimum age for children to ride in the front seat of a vehicle. It's recommended that children under 12 ride in the back seat for optimal safety.
Provincial regulations breakdown
Alberta
Child restraint laws:
Children under 6 years old or weighing less than 18 kg (40 lbs) must be in a child safety seat.
Children 6–8 years old or 18–36 kg (40–80 lbs) must use a booster seat.
Children 9+ years old or over 36 kg (80 lbs) must use a seatbelt, though a booster is recommended until 145 cm (4’9”).
Front seat law: Children under 12 should always ride in the back seat.
British Columbia
Child restraint laws:
Children under 9 years old must be in a car seat, booster seat, or seatbelt, depending on their size.
Children 9–12 years old must use a booster if under 145 cm (4’9”).
Front seat law: Children under 12 should be seated in the back seat unless the vehicle has no rear seat or it’s already occupied by other children under 12.
Ontario
Child restraint laws:
Children under 4 years old must be in a rear-facing car seat.
Children 4–8 years old must use a booster seat if under 145 cm (4'9").
Children over 8 years old or over 145 cm can use the regular seatbelt.
Front seat law: Children under 13 should sit in the back seat for maximum safety.
Quebec
Child restraint laws:
Children under 2 years old must be in a rear-facing car seat.
Children 2–4 years old must be in a forward-facing car seat.
Children 5–9 years old or under 145 cm (4'9") must use a booster seat.
Front seat law: Children under 12 should always sit in the back seat unless no rear seat is available.
Other provinces and territories
If you are travelling in another province or a territory (Saskatchewan, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador, Yukon, Northwest Territories, Nunavut), please follow the local child passenger safety laws where the trip takes place. When in doubt, check the official provincial or territorial website for the latest requirements on child seats, boosters, and seatbelts.
Carpooling tips for minors
Check the requirements: Make sure the vehicle is equipped with the proper car seat, booster, or seatbelt before travelling with minors.
Be transparent: Drivers should confirm car seat needs in advance. Parents must ensure their child is ready for the ride.
Ensure proper installation: Always install car seats or boosters according to the manufacturer’s instructions.