Frequently Asked Questions
Safety
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Air Bags
- Information on air bags provided through Transport Canada. Please see Safety Issues for Canadians: Air Bags and Air Bag Deactivation.
Rebuilt Air Bags
- What is wrong with the rebuilt air bags?
- Am I at risk? Which vehicles are likely to have a rebuilt air bag from National?
- How can a vehicle owner check their air bag to ensure that it is safe?
- How much does it cost to replace a rebuilt air bag and who pays for the replacement of these defective air bags?
- What should vehicle owners do if they suspect that their air bag is unsafe?
- Can the air bag be deactivated permanently?
- When did the Société de l'assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ) learn that rebuilt air bags are a safety hazard?
- How can I find more information regarding this issue?
What is wrong with the rebuilt air bags?
Laboratory tests of the rebuilt air bags produced by National Sacs Gonflables Inc., determined that these rebuilt air bags were unsafe. When deployed, these rebuilt air bags could cause serious head and upper body injury.
Am I at risk? Which vehicles are likely to have a rebuilt air bag from National?
Any vehicle with an air bag that has been replaced since the beginning of 1998 may contain a rebuilt air bag from National Sacs Gonflables Inc. This could include used vehicles or vehicles that have been involved in a collision since the beginning of 1998.
How can a vehicle owner check their air bag to ensure that it is safe?
Vehicles with air bags are equipped with a light on the dash that would indicate any problems with the air bag system. However, this diagnostic system and the light will not indicate whether the air bag is a rebuilt air bag. Whether an air bag is rebuilt or not can only be determined by a repair shop and requires that the air bag be removed from the steering wheel or vehicle dash for closer inspection. MTO recommends that vehicle owners go to a qualified repair shop to determine whether rebuilt air bags from National Sacs Gonflables Inc. have been installed in their vehicle.
How much does it cost to replace a rebuilt air bag and who pays for the replacement of these defective air bags?
Costs will vary depending on the vehicle model and other factors. Replacement with a new air bag would be expected to cost more than $1000 per air bag, but could be more for some vehicles. The Quebec court ordered the air bag re-builder to cover the cost of air bag replacement, however, the company subsequently filed for bankruptcy in late December 2001. Repair shops are being directed in the letter from the Province of Quebec to contact the bankruptcy trustee if they are an unsecured creditor and wish to file a claim against the re-builder. Owners of vehicles with these defective air bags should discuss replacement with the repair shop they dealt with or their insurance company.
What should vehicle owners do if they suspect that their air bag is unsafe?
If a defective air bag cannot be replaced immediately, SAAQ recommends that it be temporarily deactivated and a replacement air bag installed as soon as possible. The Ministry does not recommend that vehicle owners attempt to deactivate an air bag themselves. This is very dangerous. Only a qualified repair shop can safely deactivate an air bag.
Can the air bag be deactivated permanently?
Transport Canada has put in place the Air Bag Deactivation Program to provide information to vehicle owners so that they can make an informed decision regarding this matter. An information package is available.
Contact Transport Canada at 1-800-333-0371 or visit their web page http://www.tc.gc.ca/roadsafety/absg/absg_e.htm
When did the Société de l'assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ) learn that rebuilt air bags are a safety hazard?
SAAQ was informed of the potential safety hazard of rebuilt air bags through a complaint from an employee of the company that manufactured these rebuilt air bags. SAAQ immediately began an investigation and laboratory testing of rebuilt air bags. The tests were carried out between August 28 2001, and November 13 2001, and the preliminary report by the École polytechnique de Montréal was submitted to SAAQ on November 14 2001. The tests determined that these rebuilt air bags were unsafe.
How can I find more information regarding this issue?
SAAQ has information on their Web site in English at:
http://www.saaq.gouv.qc.ca/dossier/coussins_reconst/index_an.html
SAAQ has a phone number for inquiries: 1-866-867-8143
The public can also contact MTO INFO General Enquiry
at:
Repair shops, parts suppliers, car dealers, or
customers of National can call
Bicycle Helmets
- Do I have to wear a bicycle helmet while riding on the road?
- Why was the bicycle helmet law introduced?
- What is the fine for not wearing a helmet?
- How do I know which helmet to buy?
- Do I have to wear a bicycle helmet while riding a power-assisted bicycle (also known as an electric bicycle or e-bike)?
Do I have to wear a bicycle helmet while riding on the road?
Yes, if you are under the age of 18 you are required by law to wear an approved bicycle helmet when travelling on any public road. Cyclists over 18 are encouraged to wear helmets for their own safety, but are not required to by law.
Why was the bicycle helmet law introduced?
Research shows that helmets can be extremely effective in preventing head injuries. About three-quarters of all cycling fatalities involve head injuries. The Ontario government is committed to promoting cycling safety.
What is the fine for not wearing a helmet?
The fine is $60. With court costs of $5 and the victim fine surcharge of $10, the total is $75 for a plea of guilty.
How do I know which helmet to buy?
Consumers should look for a helmet that fits comfortably and meets safety standards. Check the inside of the helmet for stickers from one or more of the following organizations:
- Canadian Standard Association: CAN/CSA D113.2-M89
- Snell Memorial Foundation: Snell B90, Snell B90S, or Snell N94
- American National Standard Institute: ANSI Z90.4-1984
- American Society For Testing and Materials: ASTMF1447-94
- British Standards Institute: BS6863:1989
- Standards Association of Australia: AS2063.2-1990
Do I have to wear a bicycle helmet while riding a power-assisted bicycle (also known as an electric bicycle or e-bike)?
Anyone operating an electric bicycle must wear an approved bicycle helmet at all times.
Effective October 3, 2006, power-assisted bicycles (commonly known as electric bicycles or e-bikes) will be able to travel on Ontario roads as a bicycle. The pilot project is opened to all Ontarians 16 years of age and older and will run for three years. For the duration of the pilot, electric bicycles will be treated as bicycles and must follow the same rules of the road set out in the Highway Traffic Act. E-cyclists need to remember there are two exceptions:
- operators must be 16 years of age and older, and
- all operators must wear an approved bicycle helmet at all times.
Child Safety Seats and Booster Seats
- How do I know if my child safety seat is installed correctly?
- What are the child safety seat and booster seat requirements?
- Why did the Ministry extend the child safety seat requirements to more drivers, including grandparents and caregivers?
- How should an infant be secured?
- What is the proper way to secure a toddler?
- When should I use a booster seat?
- When can a child start using a seatbelt alone?
- What is the penalty for non-compliance with the child car/booster seat laws?
- Do child safety seats really improve safety?
- What happens without a child safety seat?
- How can drivers be sure their child safety seat is installed and being used correctly?
- Is it okay to buy a used child safety seat?
- What should I do if I believe my vehicle cannot accommodate the type or number of child safety seats I require?
- What is the safest seat for my child?
- What about built-in or integrated child safety seats and booster seats, are they approved for use in Ontario?
- Where is the safest place in the vehicle to put a child safety seat?
- Do I need to attach the tether strap if my vehicle and child car seat are equipped with the new LATCH device?
- Are any drivers/vehicles exempt from the new child safety seat requirements?
- Where can I get more information about child safety seats?
How do I know if my child safety seat is installed correctly?
It's as easy as 1,2,3:
- Choose the appropriate child safety seat according to the weight, height and age of the child,
- Ensure the child safety seat is tightly installed with either the vehicle seatbelt or Universal Anchorage System (UAS) and there is no more than 2.5 cm (1 inch) movement in any direction at the base.
- Place the child in the harness ensuring straps lie flat with no more than 1 finger space between the harness and the child's collarbone (rear-facing or chest (forward-facing).
Always follow the vehicle owner's manual and the child car seat manufacturer's instructions for correct installation and use of the child safety seat.
Note: Booster seats are installed differently to child safety seats. The lap and shoulder belt combination secures both the child and the booster seat in the vehicle.
What are the child safety seat and booster seat requirements?
Everyone including parents, grandparents, relatives or friends, who drives with a child under the age of 8 who weighs less than 36 kg (80 lb.) and stands less than 145 cm (4 ft. 9 in.) tall is required to ensure the child is properly secured in the appropriate child safety seat or booster seat based on his/her height and weight.
Why did the Ministry extend the child safety seat requirements to more drivers, including grandparents and caregivers?
Research shows motor vehicle collisions are the leading cause of injury and death for children and youth. Statistics Canada states that non-parental care is provided to about 40 per cent of all children less than five years of age. Properly used child safety seats and booster seats can significantly reduce the chance of children being hurt and/or killed in collisions. That is why it is so important to make sure children are protected on every trip.
How should an infant be secured?
Infants weighing under 9 kg (20 lb.) are to travel properly secured in a rearward-facing child safety seat that meets the Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (CMVSS).
What is the proper way to secure a toddler?
Toddlers weighing 9 to 18 kg (20 to 40 lbs.) are to travel properly secured in a forward-facing child safety seat that complies with CMVSS and must be anchored to the vehicle using the tether strap (usually found on the back of the car seat).
When should I use a booster seat?
Children under the age of eight, who weigh 18 kg or more but less than 36 kg (40-80 lbs.), and who stand less than 145 cm (57 ins. or 4 ft. 9 ins.) must travel in a booster seat that meets the CMVSS. This requirement became law September 1, 2005.
When can a child start using a seatbelt alone?
A child can start using a seatbelt alone once any one of the following criteria is met:
- Child turns eight years old
- Child weighs 36 kg (80 lbs.)
- Child is 145 cm (57 ins. or 4 ft. 9 ins.) tall
As a guide, a seat belt may only be used if a child is able to sit with legs bent comfortably over the vehicle seat and with his or her back fully against the back of the vehicle seat. The shoulder belt must lie flat across the child's shoulder and chest, and should not cross over the child's neck. The lap portion of the belt should be positioned low over the hips, not the abdomen.
What is the penalty for non-compliance with the child car/booster seat laws?
Drivers who fail to secure or who improperly secure children may be charged and, upon conviction, will be fined $110.00 and have two demerit points applied to their driving record.
Do child safety seats really improve safety?
Yes. A properly used child safety seat or booster seat can reduce the likelihood of death or serious injury by as much as 75 per cent.
What happens without a child safety seat?
If the child is wearing a lap belt only, the belt may ride up on the child's abdomen, particularly if the child slides forward on the seat because his/her legs are not long enough to reach over the front of the seat. This can cause internal injuries in a crash (seat belt syndrome). The lap/shoulder belt may not fit the child properly, coming across the child's face and neck. Many children will want to put the shoulder belt behind their back in this case, but this reduces or eliminates the effectiveness of the belt. Young children can slide under the lap belt, eliminating the belt's effectiveness, and possibly resulting in them being ejected from the vehicle in a crash.
How can drivers be sure their child safety seat is installed and being used correctly?
We recommend drivers follow their vehicle owner's manual and the child car seat manufacturer's instructions for installation and use. Installation tips are available from the main page of the SmartLove. For more information about child safety seats call the Ministry of Transportation at 1(800) 268-4686 (TTY: 1-866-471-8929), fax: 905-704-2002.
Brampton Fire and Emergency Services recently released a helpful DVD on how to properly install child safety seats. For further information on this DVD call 905-458-5580 or e-mail at firelife@brampton.ca
Parents and caregivers, who are having difficulty installing their child safety seats or who want to have the installation of their child car seat inspected, may contact their local public health unit. To find a public health unit, check the blue pages of your phone book, call the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care information line at 1-800-268-1154, or visit the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care: Public Health Units
Is it okay to buy a used child safety seat?
Use caution when buying used child safety seats. Buy new, or from someone trusted who knows the child safety seat. Make sure any child safety seat you buy has:
- instructions
- all necessary hardware, straps, buckles, harnesses and chest clip
- not been in a collision
- not been recalled (check with the manufacturer or Transport Canada - 1-800-333-0371)
- not expired or is not older than 10 years if no expiry date is given
- no discoloured (stress) marks or cracks and the harness is not worn or torn
What should I do if I believe my vehicle cannot accommodate the type or number of child safety seats I require?
Contact the Ministry of Transportation at 1-800-268-4686 and they will refer you to the appropriate area to address your concerns.
What is the safest seat for my child?
The Ministry does not recommend particular brands of
child car seats. All child safety seats manufactured for sale in Canada must
have a Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (CMVSS) label or statement of
compliance on the seat. Child car seats without this label or compliance
statement do not meet CMVSS requirements. Car seats made for the U.S. market
have different compliance requirements.
What about built-in or integrated child safety seats and booster seats; are they approved for use in Ontario?
Yes. The entire vehicle, including the built-in booster seat component, is certified for use in Canada, as meeting the requirements under the Motor Vehicle Safety Regulations (MVSR).
Where is the safest place in the vehicle to put a child safety seat?
The MTO recommends that children under the age of 13 years be placed in the back seat of the vehicle and away from active front air bags.
Do I need to attach the tether strap if my vehicle and child car seat are equipped with the new LATCH device?
Yes, the tether strap is required when using the latch system on a forward facing seat. The latch system is an alternative to using a seat belt and does not replace the tether strap. A tether strap must be used to prevent the forward motion of forward-facing car seats.
Are any drivers/vehicles exempt from the new child safety seat requirements?
Yes. The following are exempt:
- The driver of a taxicab, bus or public vehicle, while transporting a passenger for hire.
- The driver of a motor vehicle that is leased for less than 60 days or is registered in another jurisdiction.
- The driver of an ambulance as defined in section 61 of the Act.
- Drivers of vehicles without seatbelts.
- Drivers of vehicles equipped with lap belts only are exempt from using booster seats.
- Drivers of public vehicles with a seating capacity of 10 or more persons that are operated by or under contract with a school board or other authority in charge of a school for the transportation of children are also exempt.
Where can I get more information about child safety seats?
Links to installation tips, a measurement card and information on choosing the right car seat for your child are available from the main page of the SmartLove. Technical information about child safety seats or seat belts is also available by contacting MTO INFO General Inquiry toll free at 1-800-268-4686 (TTY: 1-866-471-8929), fax: 905-704-2002.
Seat Belts and Car Seats
- What do I do if there are not enough seat belts for the number of passengers I want to carry in my vehicle, i.e. car pooling or taking a group of children out?
- The seat belts in my car do not work properly. Must I have them repaired?
- If I have too many people in the vehicle, may I buckle up more than one person in a belt?
- When I am travelling in a taxi, must I wear a seat belt and must my child be restrained in a child safety seat?
What do I do if there are not enough seat belts for the number of passengers I want to carry in my vehicle, i.e. car pooling or taking a group of children out?
Remember, you are taking a huge risk by having people in a vehicle without the benefit of seat belt. At all times, try to limit the number of occupants in your vehicle to the number of seat belts. All available seat belts in the vehicle must be used.
The seat belts in my car do not work properly. Must I have them repaired?
Yes, absolutely. They must be well maintained at all times. In fact, you can be fined for having a broken seat belt even if it is not being used or required at the time you are stopped by a police officer.
If I have too many people in the vehicle, may I buckle up more than one person in a belt?
This is a definite NO! The seat belt is made for one person only. If more than one person is buckled up in a seat belt, the bodies can be crushed and the heads banged together, and the heavier body can seriously injure the lighter one.
When I am travelling in a taxi, must I wear a seat belt and must my child be restrained in a child safety seat?
You must wear a seat belt and, in fact, you could be fined for not buckling up. It is the taxi owner's responsibility to ensure that the seat belt is available and in good working order. The law does not require the taxi owner to provide a child safety seat so it is advisable to travel with your own seat.
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