Canadians...car seat question

cndmexbaby · May 2012

So we are moving to Ontario (I grew up there) and I just found out US car seats are illegal in Canada due to different safety standards. This is a bummer since they aren't cheap and I love my Evenflo triumph. What car seat do you recommend and is Walmart my best shot at a good deal? Thanks!

mrsseguin · May 2012

We have a US car seat...you can buy it in Canada too...not sure why it's illegal. We did buy our Evenflo Triumph from Babies R Us for $130 or so. It's a nice seat. DS is in a Britax Frontier that we bought in the US for $100 cheaper than at BRU.

shortstuff15 · May 2012

We got our Eddie Bauer at Sears, but we live in a more rural area so the options are a bit less. We bought our 2nd vehicle car seat (Cosco one) at Walmart for $90 but that's the cheapest carseat I've ever found. You can still get pretty much every car seat that is available in the States here in Canada, you just need to buy them here in Canada so you'll probably be able to get your same car seat here.

shortstuff15 · May 2012

mrsseguin:
We have a US car seat...you can buy it in Canada too...not sure why it's illegal. We did buy our Evenflo Triumph from Babies R Us for $130 or so. It's a nice seat. DS is in a Britax Frontier that we bought in the US for $100 cheaper than at BRU.

The safety standards aren't that different, but it's because of the labels. The US ones don't have the french/english labels that the Canadian ones are required to have - thus making it illegal to have them because all labels here in Canada are required to have the French on it.

shortstuff15 · May 2012

lissa_emily:
dhviel:

mrsseguin:
We have a US car seat...you can buy it in Canada too...not sure why it's illegal. We did buy our Evenflo Triumph from Babies R Us for $130 or so. It's a nice seat. DS is in a Britax Frontier that we bought in the US for $100 cheaper than at BRU.

The safety standards aren't that different, but it's because of the labels. The US ones don't have the french/english labels that the Canadian ones are required to have - thus making it illegal to have them because all labels here in Canada are required to have the French on it.

Is that why they are illegal? I saw something on the news about this a few days ago but didn't listen much because DS was screaming his head off and I was trying to make dinner, but is this really the reason? Really??

There might be a few minor safety things that are different, but the labels are the big reason. That is why you can't ship that kind of stuff from the States to Canada directly from the stores in the States. I tried with something and when I asked why it was because of the label issue. If you ship it to an address in the States and have them ship it to you, it's not a problem. I don't know if there are any sort of law enforcement things they can do if they find out you have a carseat from the States though.

cndmexbaby · May 2012

Here is a link. Sorry it's not clicky. There is a Canada vs US section. I guess this is new starting back in January.

https://www.tc.gc.ca/eng/roadsafety/safedrivers-childsafety-faq-1131.htm

mindurnanners · May 2012

It's definitely illegal to bring a US carseat here. We got our gracos at superstore. They're always on sale there

RayRay007 · May 2012

It's illegal for manufacturers and retailers not to have english and french labels on products in Canada or sell products in Canada that don't meet Canadian safety standards. It's not illegal for you to use a US car seat in Canada. You are not going to get a ticket or get thrown in jail for it. If you are comfortable with US safety standards and your car seat, use it. If you feel really strongly about having french labels on your car seat, I got both of mine at Canadian Tire. Walmart is cheap, but so are their products. I got both my car seats for 20-30% off at Canadian Tire when they came on sale.

rebs · May 2012

Yeah- unfortunately it is illegal to bring a carseat into Canada for long term use from any country (vacation use is fine). It has to do with the fact that the seat in question has not been tested or certified to Canadian safety standerds. My friend bought one in the States and was told this when she claimed it at customs driving back to Canada.

Realistically the standards between Canada and the US are so similar, and no one is likely to ever check where your seat came from even if you were in an accident. My friend has decided to still use the one she bought in the US, and no one has said anything about it- even when she took it to the firehall to be installed.

We have bought most of our carseats at BRU. We got a Cosco one for $69 at Superstore. The only annoying thing where I live is that if you want a Sunshine they are only in specialty stores which make them expensive.

cndmexbaby · May 2012

RayRay007:
It's illegal for manufacturers and retailers not to have english and french labels on products in Canada or sell products in Canada that don't meet Canadian safety standards. It's not illegal for you to use a US car seat in Canada. You are not going to get a ticket or get thrown in jail for it. If you are comfortable with US safety standards and your car seat, use it. If you feel really strongly about having french labels on your car seat, I got both of mine at Canadian Tire. Walmart is cheap, but so are their products. I got both my car seats for 20-30% off at Canadian Tire when they came on sale.

I dont think you are right.

RayRay007 · May 2012

cndmexbaby:

RayRay007:
It's illegal for manufacturers and retailers not to have english and french labels on products in Canada or sell products in Canada that don't meet Canadian safety standards. It's not illegal for you to use a US car seat in Canada. You are not going to get a ticket or get thrown in jail for it. If you are comfortable with US safety standards and your car seat, use it. If you feel really strongly about having french labels on your car seat, I got both of mine at Canadian Tire. Walmart is cheap, but so are their products. I got both my car seats for 20-30% off at Canadian Tire when they came on sale.

I dont think you are right.

Ok, I'm going to read the legislation. I know there is an article in a parenting magazine that says you can be fined, but it is written by Transport Canada so I question the impartiality of it. I understand it could be seized at the border b/c of customs regulations, but I was talking about getting ticketed by the police if they see that seat in your car and reacting to the statement that they are illegal because of labels.

ETA: Just (quickly) read the Motor Vehicle Restraint Systems and Booster Seats Safety Regulations under the Motor Vehicle Safety Act and it prescribes safety standards and prohibits companies from importing car seats that don't meet these standards or bear the national safety mark, but there is nothing in there that I can see that says individuals cannot use car seats that are bought in the US.

ETA: The Regs can be found here https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/regulations/SOR-2010-90/ and the Act here https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/M-10.01/ for anyone that wants to read it.

ETA: And here is the Consumer Product Safety Act https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/C-1.68/FullText.html and nowhere in there do I see anything that says an individual can't use a car seat bought in the US.

RyaSilly03 · May 2012

I got mine at TRU watch the sales it was $100 off! MH got his at Canadian Tire I think it was on sale 50% off? CT always has some on sale.

mindurnanners · May 2012

cndmexbaby:

RayRay007:
It's illegal for manufacturers and retailers not to have english and french labels on products in Canada or sell products in Canada that don't meet Canadian safety standards. It's not illegal for you to use a US car seat in Canada. You are not going to get a ticket or get thrown in jail for it. If you are comfortable with US safety standards and your car seat, use it. If you feel really strongly about having french labels on your car seat, I got both of mine at Canadian Tire. Walmart is cheap, but so are their products. I got both my car seats for 20-30% off at Canadian Tire when they came on sale.

I dont think you are right.

I was told by my mil (she was repsonsible for the carseat safety for BCAA) that it is illegal. They even check your carseat before you leave the hospital to make sure it is Canadian. If it is not they will not let you leave the hospital with the baby until you bring a carseat that is legal here.

When the police do carseat safety checks they also check to see if it is not and they will write you a ticket so you have to purchase a carseat from Canada.

JulySpark05 · May 2012

We got the Britax Boulevard at Toys R Us while it was on sale for around $250 I think.

I know Walmart has cheap carseats for under $100 but I wouldn't feel comfortable buying something so cheap.

AlexKate45 · May 2012

It's not just about the labels.

From CTV:

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.

We got a Britax on sale at BRU and love it.

RayRay007 · May 2012

AlexKate45:

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.

Yeah, see, I don't know where they find the authority to confiscate or fine.

Now, I agree that if you are in an accident, your insurance will probably try to deny coverage on the basis that your carseat was not 'approved' by Transport Canada, and there is a possibility you could be sued for negligence for using an 'unapproved' carseat (but who is going to be the plaintiff if it's your own child in the seat? Are you going to sue yourself?). And criminal charges? What charges? Criminal negligence? Using an american car seat would not make you criminally negligent.

I would like the media or Transport Canada to indicate exactly what provisions they are relying on to say these things.

RayRay007 · May 2012

1Katy:
cndmexbaby:

RayRay007:
It's illegal for manufacturers and retailers not to have english and french labels on products in Canada or sell products in Canada that don't meet Canadian safety standards. It's not illegal for you to use a US car seat in Canada. You are not going to get a ticket or get thrown in jail for it. If you are comfortable with US safety standards and your car seat, use it. If you feel really strongly about having french labels on your car seat, I got both of mine at Canadian Tire. Walmart is cheap, but so are their products. I got both my car seats for 20-30% off at Canadian Tire when they came on sale.

I dont think you are right.

I was told by my mil (she was repsonsible for the carseat safety for BCAA) that it is illegal. They even check your carseat before you leave the hospital to make sure it is Canadian. If it is not they will not let you leave the hospital with the baby until you bring a carseat that is legal here.

When the police do carseat safety checks they also check to see if it is not and they will write you a ticket so you have to purchase a carseat from Canada.

Hospitals don't have the right to detain you because of your car seat. They do not enforce traffic and vehicle safety laws. They can't stop you from walking out.

I don't see anything in the bc motor vehicle act that says police can ticket for having an american car seat. However, i don't know if there is another act that may be applicable.

ETA: Police will try to tell you they can do things or ticket you for things they can't all the time.

cndmexbaby · May 2012

There is a poster in this thread who knows her stuff.

https://community.thebump.com/cs/ks/forums/65888513/ShowThread.aspx#65888513

RayRay007 · May 2012

cndmexbaby:

There is a poster in this thread who knows her stuff.

https://community.thebump.com/cs/ks/forums/65888513/ShowThread.aspx#65888513

I read those transport canada notice too which led me to read the actual legislation which led to my posts above.

You can go ahead an buy a new seat if you want. Whatever. I'm just saying, unless someone can point to a specific provision in the legislation to tell me I'm wrong and not link media stories and self-serving transport canada notices, I'm pretty positive you will not be ticketed or thrown in jail for using an american car seat.

weddingnewbie2011 · May 2012

just out of curiosity, does anyone know someone (i.e. know someone personally, not heresay) who had their american car seat confiscated either in Ontario or at the border?

janecanadian · May 2012

RayRay007:
AlexKate45:

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.

Yeah, see, I don't know where they find the authority to confiscate or fine.

Now, I agree that if you are in an accident, your insurance will probably try to deny coverage on the basis that your carseat was not 'approved' by Transport Canada, and there is a possibility you could be sued for negligence for using an 'unapproved' carseat (but who is going to be the plaintiff if it's your own child in the seat? Are you going to sue yourself?). And criminal charges? What charges? Criminal negligence? Using an american car seat would not make you criminally negligent.

I would like the media or Transport Canada to indicate exactly what provisions they are relying on to say these things.

Your insurance company, your provincial health plan, basically anyone that ends up with an expense based on your stupidity in the event that your child is injured or killed in a crash. Why not just obey the law?

RayRay007 · May 2012

janecanadian:
RayRay007:
AlexKate45:

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.

Yeah, see, I don't know where they find the authority to confiscate or fine.

Now, I agree that if you are in an accident, your insurance will probably try to deny coverage on the basis that your carseat was not 'approved' by Transport Canada, and there is a possibility you could be sued for negligence for using an 'unapproved' carseat (but who is going to be the plaintiff if it's your own child in the seat? Are you going to sue yourself?). And criminal charges? What charges? Criminal negligence? Using an american car seat would not make you criminally negligent.

I would like the media or Transport Canada to indicate exactly what provisions they are relying on to say these things.

Your insurance company, your provincial health plan, basically anyone that ends up with an expense based on your stupidity in the event that your child is injured or killed in a crash. Why not just obey the law?

Yeah, ok, good point. I was just thinking aloud. However, they would have to prove that but for the car seat, they would not have had those damages. That would be pretty difficult given that the safety standards are essentialy the same and the car seats are exactly the same in some instances, and in most cases the potential award would not outweigh the cost of the lawsuit.

Anywho, I was only saying that you would not be ticketed or thrown in jail for using an American car seat, like some people are claiming. I am not saying you should or should not buy a new seat. If you are really worried about potentially being sued or losing insurance then definitely get a new seat.

weddingnewbie2011 · May 2012

janecanadian:
RayRay007:
AlexKate45:

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.

Yeah, see, I don't know where they find the authority to confiscate or fine.

Now, I agree that if you are in an accident, your insurance will probably try to deny coverage on the basis that your carseat was not 'approved' by Transport Canada, and there is a possibility you could be sued for negligence for using an 'unapproved' carseat (but who is going to be the plaintiff if it's your own child in the seat? Are you going to sue yourself?). And criminal charges? What charges? Criminal negligence? Using an american car seat would not make you criminally negligent.

I would like the media or Transport Canada to indicate exactly what provisions they are relying on to say these things.

Your insurance company, your provincial health plan, basically anyone that ends up with an expense based on your stupidity in the event that your child is injured or killed in a crash. Why not just obey the law?

I'll be buying the car seat in Canada to avoid hassle down the road but this particular law does not make sense to me. As a FTM, nothing is more important than my baby's safety. I was originally going to get the Britax Chaperone. Now knowing I'll need to pay almost double the US price to buy exactly the same car seat in Canada, we have to settle for the B-safe instead due to financial reasons (which some argues is just as safe but lacks that extra piece of mind). I called Britax and confirmed the car seat sold in US & Canada are exactly the same. The only difference is the price (yes, they actually said this). It seems to me the extra money is really only going to the sticker that tells me it's considered a safe seat in Canada, which I already know!

I know I'll get over this eventually. I understand pricing is different cross borders (I'm Canadian after all but to make it illegal to buy a product in the US that is exactly the same as sold in Canada will only prevent Canadian parents from providing the best they can for their LOs.

Hesterlicious · May 2012

1Katy:
cndmexbaby:

RayRay007:
It's illegal for manufacturers and retailers not to have english and french labels on products in Canada or sell products in Canada that don't meet Canadian safety standards. It's not illegal for you to use a US car seat in Canada. You are not going to get a ticket or get thrown in jail for it. If you are comfortable with US safety standards and your car seat, use it. If you feel really strongly about having french labels on your car seat, I got both of mine at Canadian Tire. Walmart is cheap, but so are their products. I got both my car seats for 20-30% off at Canadian Tire when they came on sale.

I dont think you are right.

I was told by my mil (she was repsonsible for the carseat safety for BCAA) that it is illegal. They even check your carseat before you leave the hospital to make sure it is Canadian. If it is not they will not let you leave the hospital with the baby until you bring a carseat that is legal here.

When the police do carseat safety checks they also check to see if it is not and they will write you a ticket so you have to purchase a carseat from Canada.

No one looked at our seat at all. We could have walked out without one since the babies were all the way across the hospital from the exit.

I doubt they would confiscate a carseat at the border considering visiting children still need something to ride in. Do they sell new seats at border stops? Would you just get out and walk?

Lilywildcat · May 2012

https://www.walmart.ca/en/ip/safety-1st-scenera-lx-car-seat-in-a-bag-margot/10052431?trail=&fromPLP=true&ancestorID=&searchString=&moduleName=&startSearch=&fromSearchBox=&addFacet=

I am from Ontario too. This car seat is currently in the baby section of Walmart. If my DD did't already have one i would get her this one When they get new car seats in, they tend to mark these down to about 69 bucks, that's how i got both of my car seats. They also have the Alpha Omega 3 in 1 for 98 bucks and the Evenflo Titan for 99 bucks.

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