Honda HR-V (2019 year). Manual — part 5

Safe Driving

Child Safety

Protecting Child Passengers

Each year, many children are injured or killed in vehicle crashes because they are
either unrestrained or not properly restrained. In fact, vehicle crashes are the
number one cause of death of children ages 12 and under.

To reduce the number of child deaths and injuries, every state, Canadian province
and territory requires that infants and children be properly restrained when they ride
in a vehicle.

Children should sit properly restrained in a rear seat. This is because:

• An inflating front or side airbag can injure

or kill a child sitting in the front seat.

• A child in the front seat is more likely to

interfere with the driver’s ability to safely
control the vehicle.

• Statistics show that children of all sizes and

ages are safer when they are properly
restrained in a rear seat.

Protecting Child Passengers

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
and Transport Canada recommend that all children
ages 12 and under be properly restrained in a rear
seat. Some states or provinces/territories have laws
restricting where children may ride.

WARNING

Children who are unrestrained or
improperly restrained can be seriously
injured or killed in a crash.

Any child too small for a seat belt should be
properly restrained in a child seat. A larger
child should be properly restrained with a
seat belt, using a booster seat if necessary.

Child Safety

Protecting Child Passengers

Safe Driving

• Any child who is too small to wear a seat belt correctly must be restrained in an

approved child seat that is properly secured to the vehicle using either the seat
belt or the lower anchors of the LATCH system.

• Never hold a child on your lap because it is impossible to protect them in the

event of a collision.

• Never put a seat belt over yourself and a child. During a crash, the belt would

likely press deep into the child and cause serious or fatal injuries.

• Never let two children use the same seat belt. Both children could be very

seriously injured in a crash.

• Do not allow children to operate the doors, windows or seat adjustments.

• Do not leave children in the vehicle unattended, especially in hot weather when

the inside of the vehicle can get hot enough to kill them. They could also activate
vehicle controls causing it to move unexpectedly.

Protecting Child Passengers

To deactivate a lockable retractor, release the buckle
and allow the seat belt to wind up all the way.

To remind you of the passenger’s front airbag
hazards and child safety, your vehicle has warning
labels on the dashboard (U.S. models) and on the
front visors. Please read and follow the instructions
on these labels.

2 Safety Labels P. 78

WARNING

Allowing a child to play with a seat belt or
wrap one around their neck can result in
serious injury or death.

Instruct children not to play with any seat
belt and make sure any unused seat belt a
child can reach is buckled, fully retracted,
and locked.

Child Safety

Safety of Infants and Small Children

Safe Driving

Safety of Infants and Small Children

An infant must be properly restrained in a rear-facing, reclining child seat until the
infant reaches the seat manufacturer’s weight or height limit for the seat, and the
infant is at least one year old.

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Positioning a rear-facing child seat

Child seats must be placed and secured in a
rear seating position.

When properly installed, a rear-facing child seat may prevent the driver or a front
passenger from moving their seat all the way back, or from locking their seat-back
in the desired position. Make sure that there is no contact between the child seat
and the seat in front of it.

It can also interfere with proper operation of the passenger’s advanced front airbag
system.

2 Airbags P. 50

If this occurs, we recommend that you install the child seat directly behind the front
passenger’s seat, move the seat as far forward as needed, and leave it unoccupied.
Or, you may wish to get a smaller rear-facing child seat.

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Protecting Infants

Protecting Infants

Rear-facing child seats should never be installed in a
forward facing position.

Always refer to the child seat manufacturer’s
instructions before installation.

Do not allow a front seat to rest against a child seat
installed in a rear seating position:
The weight sensor in the front seat may not correctly
detect the actual weight of the occupant.

WARNING

Placing a rear-facing child seat in the front
seat can result in serious injury or death
during a crash.

Always place a rear-facing child seat in the
rear seat, not the front.

Continued

Child Safety

Safety of Infants and Small Children

Safe Driving

If a child is at least one year old and has exceeded the weight and height limitations
of a rearward facing child seat, the child should be properly restrained in a firmly
secured forward facing child seat until they exceed the weight and height limitations
for the forward facing child seat.

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Forward-facing child seat placement

We strongly recommend placing a forward-
facing child seat in a rear seating position.

Placing a forward-facing child seat in the front seat can be hazardous, even with
advanced front airbags that automatically turn the passenger’s front airbag off. A
rear seat is the safest place for a child.

■

Protecting Smaller Children

Protecting Smaller Children

Educate yourself about the laws and regulations
regarding child seat use where you are driving, and
follow the child seat manufacturer’s instructions.

Many experts recommend use of a rear-facing seat
for a child up to two years old if the child’s height and
weight are appropriate for a rear-facing seat.

WARNING

Placing a forward-facing child seat in the
front seat can result in serious injury or
death if the front airbag inflates.

If you must place a forward-facing child
seat in front, move the vehicle seat as far
back as possible, and properly restrain the
child.

Child Safety

Safety of Infants and Small Children

Safe Driving

Most child seats are LATCH-compatible (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren).
Some have a rigid-type connector while others have a flexible-type connector. Both
are equally easy to use. Some existing and previously owned child seats can only be
installed using the seat belt. Whichever type you choose, follow the child seat
manufacturer’s use and care instructions including recommended expiration dates
as well as the instructions in this manual. Proper installation is key to maximizing
your child’s safety.

In seating positions and vehicles not equipped with LATCH, a LATCH-compatible
child seat can be installed using the seat belt and a top tether for added security.
This is because all child seats are required to be designed so that they can be secured
with a lap belt or the lap part of a lap/shoulder belt. In addition, the child seat
manufacturer may advise that a seat belt be used to attach a LATCH-compatible seat
once a child reaches a specified weight. Please read the child seat owner’s manual
for proper installation instructions.

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Important consideration when selecting a child seat

Make sure the child seat meets the following three requirements:
• The child seat is the correct type and size for the child.
• The child seat is the correct type for the seating position.
• The child seat is compliant with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 213 or

Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 213.

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Selecting a Child Seat

Selecting a Child Seat

Installation of a LATCH-compatible child seat is
simple.

LATCH-compatible child seats have been developed
to simplify the installation process and reduce the
likelihood of injuries caused by incorrect installation.

Continued

Child Safety

Safety of Infants and Small Children

Safe Driving

A LATCH-compatible child seat can be installed in either of the two outer rear seats.
A child seat is attached to the lower anchors with either the rigid or flexible type of
connectors.

1. Locate the lower anchors under the marks.
2. Raise the head restraint to its highest

position.

3. Place the child seat on the vehicle seat, then

attach the child seat to the lower anchors
according to the instructions that came
with the child seat.

When installing the child seat, make sure
that the lower anchors are not
obstructed by the seat belt or any other
object.

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Installing a LATCH-Compatible Child Seat

Installing a LATCH-Compatible Child Seat

For your child’s safety, when using a child seat
installed using the LATCH system, make sure that the
child seat is properly secured to the vehicle. A child
seat that is not properly secured will not adequately
protect a child in a crash and may cause injury to the
child or other vehicle occupants.

WARNING

Never attach two child seats to the same
anchor. In a collision, one anchor may not
be strong enough to hold two child seat
attachments and may break, causing
serious injury or death.

Marks

Rigid Type

Lower Anchors

Child Safety

Safety of Infants and Small Children

Safe Driving

4. Remove the cargo cover

2 Cargo Cover P. 207

5. Route the tether strap between the head

restraint legs, and secure the tether strap
hook to the anchor.
Make sure the strap is not twisted.

6. Tighten the tether strap as instructed by the

child seat manufacturer.

7. Make sure the child seat is firmly secured by

rocking it forward and back and side to
side; little movement should be felt.

8. Make sure any unused seat belt that a child

can reach is buckled, the lockable retractor
is activated, and the belt is fully retracted
and locked.

9. Reinstall the cargo cover

Flexible Type

Installing a LATCH-Compatible Child Seat

Installing a LATCH-compatible child seat in the
rear center seat
Each outer rear seat is equipped with a pair of lower
anchors which are used to secure a LATCH-
compatible child seat. The rear center seat, however,
is not equipped with anchors of any kind.
The inner and outer anchors are spaced apart at a
standard distance of 11 inches (280 mm). The
distance between the two inner anchors is 14.1
inches (357.8 mm).
LATCH-compatible restraint systems that are fitted
with rigid-type attachments cannot be installed in the
rear center seat. However, a system fitted with
flexible-type attachments can be installed in the
center seat, provided that the manufacturer’s
instructions for that system permit the use of the
inner anchors with the stated spacing.
Before seating a child, make sure that the system is
properly attached to both the lower anchors and
tether anchors.

WARNING

Do not use the lower inner anchors of the
outer rear seats to secure a LATCH-
compatible child seat to the rear center
seat, unless the manufacturer’s instructions
for that system permit the use of inner
anchors with the stated spacing.

Anchor

Tether Strap Hook

* Not available on all models

Continued

Child Safety

Safety of Infants and Small Children

Safe Driving

A child seat can be installed with a lap/shoulder belt in any rear seat or, if absolutely
necessary, the front passenger seat.

1. Raise the head restraint to its highest

position.

2. Place the child seat on the vehicle seat.
3. Route the seat belt through the child seat

according to the seat manufacturer’s
instructions, and insert the latch plate into
the buckle.

Insert the latch plate fully until it clicks.

4. Slowly pull the shoulder part of the belt all

the way out until it stops. This activates the
lockable retractor.

5. Let the seat belt completely wind up into

the retractor, then try to pull it out to make
sure the retractor is locked.

If you are able to pull the shoulder belt
out, the lockable retractor is not
activated. Pull the seat belt all the way
out, and repeat steps 4 – 5.

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Installing a Child Seat with a Lap/Shoulder Seat Belt

Installing a Child Seat with a Lap/Shoulder Seat Belt

A child seat that is not properly secured will not
adequately protect a child in a crash and may cause
injury to the child or other vehicle occupants.

Child Safety

Safety of Infants and Small Children

Safe Driving

6. Grab the shoulder part of the seat belt near

the buckle, and pull up to remove any slack
from the lap part of the belt.

When doing this, place your weight on
the child seat and push it into the vehicle
seat.

7. Make sure the child seat is firmly secured by

rocking it forward and back and side to
side; less than one inch of movement
should occur near the seat belt.

8. Make sure any unused seat belt that a child

can reach is buckled, the lockable retractor
is activated, and the belt is fully retracted
and locked.

Installing a Child Seat with a Lap/Shoulder Seat Belt

To deactivate a lockable retractor, release the buckle
and allow the seat belt to wind up all the way.

Continued

Child Safety

Safety of Infants and Small Children

Safe Driving

Two tether anchorage points are provided
behind the rear outer seating positions and
one in the ceiling for the rear center. If you
have a child restraint system that comes with
a tether but can be installed with a seat belt,
the tether may be used for additional security.

■

Adding Security with a Tether

Adding Security with a Tether

Since a tether can provide additional security to the
lap/shoulder seat belt installation, we recommend
using a tether whenever one is available.

Tether
Anchorage
Points

Tether
Anchorage
Point

Child Safety

Safety of Infants and Small Children

Safe Driving

■

Using an outer anchor

1. Remove the cargo cover

2 Cargo Cover P. 207

2. Put the outer head restraint to its upper

most position, then route the tether strap
through the head restraint legs, and secure
the tether strap hook to the anchor.
Make sure the strap is not twisted.

3. Tighten the tether strap as instructed by the

child seat manufacturer.

4. Reinstall the cargo cover

■

Using the center anchor

1. Lower the head restraint to its lowest

position.

2. Open the anchor cover.
3. Route the tether strap over the head

restraint.
Make sure the strap is not twisted.

4. Secure the tether strap hook to the anchor.
5. Tighten the tether strap as instructed by the

child seat manufacturer.

Anchor

Tether Strap Hook

Anchor

Anchor Cover

* Not available on all models

Child Safety

Safety of Larger Children

Continued

Safe Driving

Safety of Larger Children

The following pages give instructions on how to check proper seat belt fit, what kind
of booster seat to use if one is needed, and important precautions for a child who
must sit in front.

When a child is too big for a child seat, secure the child in a rear seat using the lap/
shoulder seat belt. Have the child sit upright and all the way back, then answer the
following questions.

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Checklist

• Do the child’s knees bend comfortably over

the edge of the seat?

• Does the shoulder belt cross between the

child’s neck and arm?

• Is the lap part of the seat belt as low as

possible, touching the child’s thighs?

• Will the child be able to stay seated like this

for the whole trip?

If you answer yes to all these questions, the child is ready to wear the lap/shoulder
seat belt correctly. If you answer no to any question, the child needs to ride on a
booster seat until the seat belt fits properly without a booster seat.

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Protecting Larger Children

■

Checking Seat Belt Fit

Safety of Larger Children

WARNING

Allowing a child age 12 or under to sit in
front can result in injury or death if the
passenger’s front airbag inflates.

If a larger child must ride in front, move the
vehicle seat as far to the rear as possible,
have the child sit up properly and wear the
seat belt properly, using a booster seat if
needed.

Child Safety

Safety of Larger Children

Safe Driving

If a lap/shoulder seat belt cannot be used
properly, position the child in a booster seat in
a rear seating position. For the child’s safety,
check that the child meets the booster seat
manufacturer’s recommendations.

Your vehicle has a rear seat where children can be properly restrained. If you ever
have to carry a group of children, and a child must ride in front:
• Make sure you read and fully understand the instructions and safety information

in this manual.

• Move the front passenger seat as far back as possible.
• Have the child sit upright and well back in the seat.
• Check that the seat belt is properly positioned so that the child is secure in the

seat.

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Monitoring child passengers

We strongly recommend that you keep an eye on child passengers. Even older, more
mature children sometimes need to be reminded to fasten their seat belts and sit up
properly.

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Booster Seats

Booster Seats

When installing a booster seat, make sure to read the
instructions that came with it, and install the seat
accordingly.
There are high- and low-type booster seats. Choose a
booster seat that allows the child to wear the seat
belt correctly.

Some U.S. states, and Canadian provinces and
territories require children to use a booster seat until
they reach a given age or weight (e.g. 6 years or 60
lbs). Be sure to check current laws in the state or
province, or territory where you intend to drive.

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Protecting Larger Children-Final Checks

Safe Driving

Exhaust Gas Hazard

Carbon Monoxide Gas

The engine exhaust from this vehicle contains carbon monoxide, a colorless,
odorless, and highly toxic gas. As long as you properly maintain your vehicle, carbon
monoxide gas will not get into the interior.

■

Have the exhaust system inspected for leaks whenever

• The exhaust system is making an unusual noise.
• The exhaust system may have been damaged.
• The vehicle is raised for an oil change.

When you operate a vehicle with the tailgate open, airflow can pull exhaust gas into
the interior and create a hazardous condition. If you must drive with the tailgate
open, open all the windows and set the heating and cooling system

/climate control

system

as shown below.

1. Select the fresh air mode.
2. Select the

mode.

3. Set the fan speed to high.
4. Set the temperature control to a comfortable setting.

Adjust the heating and cooling system

/climate control system

in the same manner

if you sit in your parked vehicle with the engine running.

Carbon Monoxide Gas

An enclosed area such as a garage can quickly fill up
with carbon monoxide gas.
Do not run the engine with the garage door closed.
Even when the garage door is open, drive out of the
garage immediately after starting the engine.

WARNING

Carbon monoxide gas is toxic.
Breathing it can cause unconsciousness and
even kill you.

Avoid any enclosed areas or activities that
expose you to carbon monoxide.

* Not available on all models

Safe Driving

Safety Labels

Label Locations

These labels are in the locations shown. They warn you of potential hazards that can cause serious injury or death. Read these labels
carefully.

If a label comes off or becomes hard to read (except for the U.S. dashboard label which may be removed by the owner), contact a dealer
for a replacement.

U.S. models only

Dashboard

Sun Visor

U.S. models

Canadian models

Radiator Cap

Sun Visor

U.S. models only

Air Conditioner System

U.S. models

Canadian models