At what age must children be in a booster seat according to vehicle safety regulations?

The correct answer is 8 years old, which aligns with many vehicle safety regulations that dictate the appropriate use of booster seats for children. Federal and state guidelines often recommend that children remain in a booster seat until they are 8 years old or reach a specific height or weight limit. This ensures that the vehicle's seat belts fit properly over the child's smaller frame, providing adequate protection in the event of a crash.

In particular, the purpose of a booster seat is to elevate the child so that the vehicle’s seat belt fits them correctly, ideally lying across the upper thighs and chest rather than the neck and stomach, which are more vulnerable areas. This positioning enhances the safety of the child in the vehicle significantly.

Many jurisdictions follow this 8-year guideline as it reflects a balance of developmental readiness and safety standards based on crash test data. It is essential for parents and caregivers to be aware of these regulations to ensure the safety of their children while traveling in vehicles.