Highways and Public Works

Stage Three - Over 48 lbs/22Kgs

It is important to note that the booster seat only have one step. The seat belt system secures both the child and the booster seat into the vehicle. Please remember that even when a booster seat is unoccupied, the seat belt assembly must be done up around the booster seat so that, in the event of a collision, it does not become a projectile.

Securing your child and booster seat properly into your vehicle

Before starting, please consult your vehicle manual and your booster seat instructions

  1. The best location for any booster seatis in the back seat. The contre back seating position is considered the safer place as it is the furthest away from any intruding vehicles or objects in the event of a collision. However this is not always possible, it depends on the vehicle that it is being used in.If you have a pickup with no back seat, it is acceptable to install a car seat in the front, as long as there is no air bag and the front seat is moved back as far as possible. 80% of the car seat base MUST be supported by the vehicle seat. If this cannot be achieved you will need to find a new seating position or get a different booster seat.
  2. All booster seats must be used with a lap/shoulder seat belt. Place the booster seat on the back seat of the vehicle and place your child on the booster seat.
  3. Place the lap portion of the seat belt over your child and booster seat and secure in place, being sure it is positioned low and snugly over the child's hips. Ensure that the shoulder portion of the seat belt is sitting diagnally across the middle of your child's shoulder. In a high back booster, thread the shoulder belt portion of the seat belt through the routing points at the top/side of the booster. In a low back booster thread the shoulder belt portion through the routing mecahnism on the attached webbing if necessary
  4. Ensure that the midpoint of your child's ears is NOT above the back of the head rest or car seat. If they are their booster seat can not be used and another one should be purchased that is taller.
  5. If your vehicle is equipped with side air bags, click here for more information on them before installing your booster seat.
  6. Never place the shoulder belt under the arm or behind the back of your child. In the event of a collision these actions, could cause serious injury. For more information on collisions and car seats, visit our car seats and collisions page.
  7. Your child should stay in a booster seat until they are 4' 9" tall.

*** Note: When switching you car seat from the harness system to a booster seat, you must remove the harness system completely from you car seat.***

Further Information:

How your booster seat works in a collision

Transport Canada - Stage 3 - Booster Seats

Canada Safety Council - Stage 3 - Booster Seats