As of October 19, 2026 children must ride:
- Rear-facing until at least age 2 and 10 kg (22 lb)
- Five-point harness until at least age 4 and 18 kg (40 lb)
Remember that these laws are the minimums:
Your child is safest in each stage for longer, within the limits of your seat.
Find full summary here:
https://childsafetylink.ca/car-seat-safety/nova-scotia-car-seat-laws
Do you have questions? Call Child Safety Link at 1-866-288-1388 (toll-free in Atlantic Canada) or email childsafetylink@iwk.nshealth.ca.
Here is a roundup of a few of the news stories shared so far:
CBC News:
Oct 8, 2026: New child car seat rules coming into effect on Oct. 19 Article
Oct 15, 2026: Parents welcome N.S. child car seat changes Video
Oct 15, 2026: Caregivers revved up for N.S. child car-seat law changes Article
CTV News:
Oct 15, 2026: Advocate applauds changes to N.S. car seat rules, calls for N.B. to follow suit Article and video
Oct 15, 2026: NS changes seat belt rules for kids Video
Global News:
Oct 7, 2026: Child safety advocate says N.S. changes to car seat rules makes province ‘leader’ in country Article
The Coast:
Oct 16, 2026: Buckle up baby! Newsletter
Additional coverage:
Your Halifax Now:
Oct 8, 2026: New modern traffic laws to help make roads safer: N.S. government Article
The Laker:
Oct 8, 2026: Province releases new Traffic Safety Act regulations Article
The Aurora News:
Oct 8, 2026: N.S. releases new Traffic Safety Act Regulations Article
Novacast Media:
Oct 7, 2026: New Traffic Safety Act to take effect on October 19 Article
Your South Shore:
Oct 19, 2026: The Traffic Safety Act is now in effect Article