What is the legal requirement for children under 6 years old in vehicles?

Children under 6 years old are legally required to be in an appropriate child restraint system. This requirement is in place to ensure their safety, as they are more vulnerable to injury in the event of a crash compared to older passengers. Child restraint systems, such as car seats or booster seats, are designed specifically to protect young children by properly securing them in the vehicle, accommodating their smaller size and developing bodies. The effectiveness of these systems in reducing injury rates emphasizes the importance of this law.

The other options do not align with safety regulations aimed at protecting young children in vehicles. Standard seatbelts are not adequate for children under 6, sitting in the front seat without restraint is dangerous, and there are indeed strict requirements for safety devices for this age group, which underscores the critical role of child restraints in vehicle safety.