What type of seat must children aged 2-7 use in Connecticut?

In Connecticut, children aged 2 to 7 are required to use a booster seat to ensure their safety while traveling in a vehicle. A booster seat is designed to elevate a child to a height where the seatbelt can fit properly across their body. This proper fit is essential because it helps to secure the child safely, reducing the risk of injury in the event of an accident.

The law emphasizes the importance of using a booster seat until a child is large enough to use the vehicle’s seatbelt alone safely, which is typically when they reach a height of 4 feet 9 inches and are between the ages of 8 to 12 years, depending on their weight and maturity level.

Other options, such as a rear-facing seat, may apply to younger children who are under 2 years old, while a regular seat with a seatbelt or any available seat does not provide the necessary protection for children in the specified age group. Using a booster seat specifically for this age range helps ensure they are situated correctly for their size and weight, enhancing their safety on the road.