What is the legal requirement for child passenger safety in Georgia?

The legal requirement for child passenger safety in Georgia mandates that children under the age of 8 must be secured in a booster seat or an appropriate car seat. This regulation is designed to ensure that younger children are safely restrained in vehicles, as standard seat belts may not fit them correctly due to their smaller size and developing bodies.

Using a booster seat or car seat enhances their protection in the event of an accident by positioning the seat belt correctly across the child’s shoulder and lap, minimizing the risk of serious injury. It's important to note that this law encourages the safest practices for transporting children and aligns with recommendations from safety organizations regarding the appropriate use of car seats and booster seats based on a child’s age and size.

Other options listed do not align with Georgia's regulations for child passenger safety. For instance, placing children under 5 in the front seat is not advised and can be dangerous, especially if airbags are deployed. Saying that children under 12 merely have to wear seat belts does not account for the specific needs of younger passengers who may still need added support from a booster seat. Lastly, stating that children of any age must be in a car seat is misleading since the law recognizes that safety requirements evolve as the child grows older and their physical size