Canadians who are taking advantage of the lofty loonie and doing some cross-border shopping should pass on making one key purchase in the U.S.: an infant or child car seat. That's because it is illegal to use a car seat bought outside of Canada.
Every country has its own child seat standards and Canadian regulations differ from those in the United States. For example, U.S. certified booster seats have a lower weight limit than Canadian standards.
Car seats bought outside of Canada don't meet standards set by Canada's Motor Vehicle Restraint Systems and Booster Cushions Safety Regulations (RSSR) or those of the Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (CMVSS), and do not bear the National Safety Mark required in Canada.
The Toronto Police Services sent out a news release this week to remind drivers that police are required to confiscate any car seats bought outside of Canada. Drivers can also be issued fines and/or demerit point penalties. Border guards can also take away the seats.
Transport Canada points out that should a car seat bought outside of Canada be involved in a crash that results in injury or death, insurance coverage could be reduced or even voided completely. As well, the owner could face criminal charges and/or face a lawsuit.
What's more, if a recall notice is issued on the car seat bought outside of Canada, it's possible the parent or caregiver would not be informed of the recall, nor would they be able to qualify for a refund from the manufacturer.
When buying a child safety seat, Canadian parents and caregivers should ensure it bears the National Safety Mark label indicating it complies with Canadian regulations and standards.
