Seatbelts, child seats and phone laws in Alberta

By the end of this topic you can

• You can make sure every passenger is properly restrained.
• You can choose the right type of child seat.
• You can list the activities banned by the distracted driving law.
• You can set up your phone and navigation before you drive.

What you need to know and understand

• All drivers and passengers must wear a seat belt or be in an approved child seat.
• The driver is responsible for passengers under 16; passengers 16 and older can be fined themselves.
• A child under 6 who weighs 18 kg (40 lb) or less must be in a properly installed child seat.
• Child seats used in Canada must carry a label showing they meet Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 213.
• The fine for breaking the occupant restraint law is $211.
• Learner and probationary drivers with more passengers than seat belts also get 2 demerit points.
• Distracted driving carries a $390 fine and 3 demerit points, and applies even when stopped at a red light.

Seats for children

• From birth: a rear-facing infant or convertible seat until the child reaches the seat maker's limit for forward-facing.
• Forward-facing seat: designed for children of about 10 to 18 kg (22 to 40 lb), with the tether strap anchored.
• Booster seat: for children over 18 kg before they use the seat belt alone.
• Install every seat following both the vehicle and seat manuals.

What the distraction law bans

While driving, including when stopped in traffic, you may not:

• Hold a cell phone, or text or email.
• Use laptops, video games, cameras or video screens.
• Enter information into a GPS or program a portable audio player.
• Read printed material, write or sketch.
• Groom yourself, such as shaving or putting on make-up.

What is still allowed

A phone used hands-free by voice or a single touch, a GPS fixed to the vehicle and programmed before you set off, talking with passengers, and eating or drinking are not specifically banned. You may call 911 on a hand-held phone. Police can still charge you if any activity stops you driving with due care, so keep distractions to a minimum.

Common mistakes

• Typing an address into the GPS at a red light. Program it before you move.
• Letting an extra friend ride without a seat belt. It brings a fine and demerits for GDL drivers.
• Using a child seat bought abroad. It must have the Canadian safety label.
• Moving a child to the seat belt alone too early. Use a booster first.

Test yourself: Seatbelts, child seats and phone laws in Alberta

Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.

Go deeper

• Alberta Demerit Points, IRS and Impaired Driving for New Drivers
• Alberta Driver’s Guide
• Alberta parallel parking, backing and lane rules for new drivers