Jewels
Senior Community Member
Was sent this today about the booster laws in New Foundland and Labrador:
Newfoundland and Labrador Has Booster Seat Legislation!!
Starting July 1, 2008, all children under the age of 8 who are heavier than 18kg (40 lbs) but less than 37kg (80 lbs) and under 145cm (4'9") tall need to be in a booster seat. The driver of the vehicle - parent, caregiver, daycare, grandparent, etc. is responsible to see that the child is safely restrained. Children less than 18kg (40 lbs) must be secured in a car seat.
What does that mean to us?
First off - a celebration. YES!! YIPEE! FANTASTIC!! CAKE! MUSIC! Second, we need to educate, educate, educate so this change is as smooth as possible.
Can a driver be charged by the police if this isn't happening?
Yes, it is 2 demerit points and $115 fine.
If a smaller child is currently not in a booster seat (eg. 7-years old and 65 lbs) does he or she have to get in a booster seat on July 1st, 2008?
Yes.
Won't some parents and caregivers balk because of the cost of getting a booster seat?
There might be some people that are upset at the extra cost. KISS has a handout called Too Cool for a Booster Seat? / How do I Afford a Booster Seat? There are quite a few ideas about both affording one and getting your child into one. Remember that if the vehicle has head-rests in the back, a simple booster seat can cost as little as $25 to $35.
Where can I see the specific legislation and media release from the Newfoundland and Labrador government?
The legislation can be found on the house of assembly web site here. The media release can be found here.
Apparently there is going to be a on-line petition (with printable forms) for Manitoba :thumbsup: I'll post that when I know more.
Newfoundland and Labrador Has Booster Seat Legislation!!
Starting July 1, 2008, all children under the age of 8 who are heavier than 18kg (40 lbs) but less than 37kg (80 lbs) and under 145cm (4'9") tall need to be in a booster seat. The driver of the vehicle - parent, caregiver, daycare, grandparent, etc. is responsible to see that the child is safely restrained. Children less than 18kg (40 lbs) must be secured in a car seat.
What does that mean to us?
First off - a celebration. YES!! YIPEE! FANTASTIC!! CAKE! MUSIC! Second, we need to educate, educate, educate so this change is as smooth as possible.
Can a driver be charged by the police if this isn't happening?
Yes, it is 2 demerit points and $115 fine.
If a smaller child is currently not in a booster seat (eg. 7-years old and 65 lbs) does he or she have to get in a booster seat on July 1st, 2008?
Yes.
Won't some parents and caregivers balk because of the cost of getting a booster seat?
There might be some people that are upset at the extra cost. KISS has a handout called Too Cool for a Booster Seat? / How do I Afford a Booster Seat? There are quite a few ideas about both affording one and getting your child into one. Remember that if the vehicle has head-rests in the back, a simple booster seat can cost as little as $25 to $35.
Where can I see the specific legislation and media release from the Newfoundland and Labrador government?
The legislation can be found on the house of assembly web site here. The media release can be found here.
Apparently there is going to be a on-line petition (with printable forms) for Manitoba :thumbsup: I'll post that when I know more.
I'd like to find out how to get us turned into a 1 AND 20lb province and get a booster law. See if some activism might change our laws considering how old they are. But before considering a petition I figure it's easiest to talk to my MLA and see if a petition would even be necessary or perhaps there is some form of research already being done...
