File photo of a Lethbridge Police vehicle (Lethbridge News Now)

By Justin Goulet

LPS sending reminder to drivers and passengers on seat belt/child restraint laws

Mar 15, 2021 | 10:49 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – Police in Lethbridge are reminding drivers and passengers about the laws on seat belts and child restraints.

“If there’s a need for anyone to unfasten their seat belt to attend to a child or some other need in the vehicle once on the road, please find a safe place to pull over and stop first,” reads a release from the LPS.

“That momentary lapse in caution could impact everyone’s life negatively, should the vehicle leave the road or otherwise be involved in a collision.”

Lethbridge Police stated that when it comes to seat belts:

• Drivers and passengers must wear an occupant restraint;
• It is the driver’s responsibility to ensure children aged six to 15 (or children younger than six who weigh more than 18 kg/40 lbs) are wearing a seat belt;
• Seat belts must be worn properly adjusted and securely fastened. Seat belts must not be removed from the vehicle or modified;
• Learner and probationary (e.g. GDL) drivers must not have more passengers than there are seat belts;
• Occupant restraints must meet Canadian standards.

Nighttime construction on Hwy 3 in Lethbridge starts April 17

Apr 17, 2025

SASHA launches #BuyABed fundraiser to support vulnerable Lethbridge residents

Apr 04, 2025

$20K grants available: TELUS STORYHIVE Pan-Asian Edition opens applications April 1

Mar 18, 2025

When it comes to child restraints:

• It is the driver’s responsibility to ensure children younger than six who weigh 18 kg (40 lbs) or less are in a properly installed child restraint.

LPS noted there are some exemptions. Seat belts and child restraints are not required (but are still recommended) to be used:

• In vehicles not designed or equipped with seat belt assemblies by their manufacturers;
• In vehicles being used in the course of making deliveries and being driven at 40 km/h or less;
• In vehicles being driven in an authorized municipal parade;
• By a person who has a letter from a qualified medical practitioner certifying that person cannot use a seat belt or child restraint due to medical reasons or physical characteristics.

Child restraints are not required (but are still recommended) in:

• Taxis;
• Emergency vehicles;
• Vehicles rented/leased for 14 days or shorter.

Penalties include a $155 fine. GDL drivers will also receive two demerit points if they drive with more passengers than there are seat belts.

For local news delivered daily to your email inbox, subscribe for free to the Lethbridge News Now newsletter here. You can also download the Lethbridge News Now mobile app in the Google Play and the Apple App Stores.