Each Canadian province and territory has their own laws that govern the use of car seats, booster seats, and seat belts according to the child’s age, height, and weight.
The law is the minimum safety standard that can be enforced. It is often safer to remain in each stage until the maximum limit of your child’s seat has been reached. Check your seat for the height, weight, and age limits.
Click here to learn more about how to choose, install, and use a car seat.
Click here to learn more about when to use a booster seat and when to transition to the adult seat belt.
Car seat and booster seat laws in Nova Scotia
It is the law in Nova Scotia that children travelling in vehicles are safely secured in a car seat or booster seat that is appropriate for their age, weight, and height and used according to the manufacturer’s instructions. These laws were updated October 19th, 2026.
Rear-facing car seat
An infant or child must be secured in a rear-facing seat until they’re at least 2 years old and weigh at least 10 kg (22 pounds).
Forward-facing car seat
A child must be at least 2 years old and weigh at least 10 kg (22 pounds) before using a forward-facing car seat.
A child must remain in a car seat with a five-point harness until they are at least 4 years old and weigh at least 18 kg (40 pounds).
Booster seat
A child must be at least 4 years old and weigh a minimum of 18 kg (40 pounds) before moving to a booster seat.
A child must continue to use a booster seat until they are at least 145 cm (57 inches or 4 feet 9 inches) tall or 9 years old.
Seat belt
According to the law, a child can use an adult seat belt when they’re either 9 years old or 145 cm (57 inches or 4 feet 9 inches) tall.
The driver is responsible to ensure that all passengers under the age of 16 are securely buckled in the right car seat, booster seat, or seat belt.
For more information on Nova Scotia Child Passenger legislation, call Child Safety Link at 1-866-288-1388 ext. 1 or 902-470-7036.