At what age must children use child seats while riding in a vehicle?

The requirement for children to use child seats while riding in a vehicle, specifically for infants below the age of 6, is based on safety regulations designed to protect young passengers in the event of a crash. Infants are particularly vulnerable and need to be secured in a properly fitted child seat that meets safety standards for their size and weight.

Child seats are designed to provide protection by reducing the risk of injury during car accidents, as they offer more support and secure placement than standard seat belts, which are not suitable for smaller body types. This requirement ensures that the specific needs of infants and small children are addressed, underscoring the importance of using appropriate restraint systems for younger passengers to ensure their safety on the road.

In contrast, the other age references, such as 12 years and 6 or 5 years old, do not align with the established regulations that focus on providing necessary safety measures for infants. Using proper child seats is crucial until children reach a point where they can be safely secured with just a seat belt, which varies according to their growth and development rather than a specific age alone.