How must children under the age of 8 be secured in a vehicle?

Children under the age of 8 must be secured in a proper child safety seat or booster seat to ensure their safety while traveling in a vehicle. This requirement is based on the understanding that smaller children do not have the same level of protection from a standard seat belt, which is designed for adult-sized passengers. A child safety seat or booster seat provides the necessary support and positioning to protect a child's developing body in the event of a collision.

Using the appropriate seat ensures that the lap and shoulder belts fit correctly across the child's body, reducing the risk of injury. The specific type of seat—whether it's a rear-facing car seat, forward-facing seat, or a booster seat—depends on the child's age, weight, and height. Adhering to these guidelines is crucial for safeguarding young passengers and is mandated by law in Virginia and many other states to enhance child passenger safety during travel.