A 3-minute lesson from the Massachusetts course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.
Children need restraints sized for their bodies. Massachusetts requires a federally approved child seat until a child is old enough or tall enough for a regular belt, and air bags make where the child sits critical.
Know the rule
Infants and small children must ride in a federally approved child passenger restraint until they are at least eight years old OR at least 57 inches tall. After that, they must wear safety belts, used correctly.
The restraint must carry a sticker showing it meets Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 213, and be permanently attached or held in place by a safety belt or attachment system.
Your nephew is 7 years old and 58 inches tall. Because he's at least 57 inches tall, he no longer needs a child restraint, but he must wear the regular safety belt correctly.
Check your understanding
Read the question, decide on an answer, then open it to check the explanation. These are Roadwise study questions based on the source handbook.
Until what age or height must a child use a federally approved child passenger restraint?
Age 5 or 40 inches tall
Age 8 or 57 inches tall
Age 10 or 60 inches tall
Age 6 or 48 inches tall
Answer: Age 8 or 57 inches tall
Children must use a child restraint until they are at least 8 years old or 57 inches tall.