how old must a child be to sit without car seat or booster seat?

Answer 1

i think its 5 or 40 pounds, check with your locals

Answer 2

This is the criteria that should be used in deciding if your child can sit booster free.


The 5 Step Test
If you answer "No" to any of these questions, your child must be in a booster seat:
1. Does the child sit all the way back against the auto seat?
2. Do the child's knees bend comfortably at the edge of the auto seat?
3. Is the lap belt touching the top of the thighs, not the tummy?
4. Is the shoulder belt centered on the shoulder and chest?
5. Can the child stay seated like this for the whole trip?
BELT-POSITIONING BOOSTERS CAN NOT be used with only a lap belt!


IMO, it isn't so much about the law . It is about KEEPING KIDS SAFE!!

Answer 3

This is the Info I found for my state, California

New law beginning January 1, 2002

It says...

Children MUST be secured in an appropriate child passenger restraint (safety seat or booster seat) until they are at least 6 years old or weigh at least 60 pounds.

Remember: All children under 16 must ride properly buckled up. The cost of a violation is a $270 fine and a point on your driving record.

Child safety seat tips

Best place for a child is in the back seat.
Babies ride rear-facing and reclined (45-degree angle) until 1 year old and at least 20 pounds.
Toddlers ride forward-facing and upright with a harness until 40 pounds.
Children who are over 40 pounds or have outgrown the harness system use a lap and shoulder belt-positioning booster seat.
WHEN YOU INSTALL ANY SAFETY SEAT

Always follow the child safety seat and vehicle instruction manuals.
Never install a rear-facing infant seat in front of an airbag.
Be sure the vehicle's seat belt is routed correctly.
Do you need a locking clip? Consult safety seat and vehicle manuals.
Fasten the safety seat tightly with the vehicle seat belt.
Fit the child safety seat harness snugly to the child.
BOOSTER SEAT

Booster seat raises the child so the car's lap and shoulder belt fit properly and child's knees bend naturally.

Child should use booster seat if:

Weighs 40-80 pounds. Seat belts don't fit properly until children weigh about 80 pounds and are 4'9" tall.

Never use a safety seat or booster seat if you don't know its history or if it has been involved in a crash.

Assist the CHP in educating motorists who don't buckle up their children. Report unrestrained children by calling 1-800-TELL-CHP (1-800-835-5247).

For additional information visit:
www.carseat.org
www.aap.org/family/cps.htm
www.nhtsa.dot.gov/people/injury/childps/

Hope this helps!!

Answer 4

It is based on the height of the child. In Texas, where I live, it is recommended children be in a booster seat until they are over 4 foot 9 inches tall. Rationale being that seat belts were designed for adults and are installed to fit across the chest and below the neck. The booster seat helps a child to fit properly within the seat belt to best protect them in the event of an accident.

Answer 5

In Ontario:

Booster seats are required for children under the age of eight, weighing 18 kg or more but less than 36 kg (40-80 lbs) and who stand less than 145 cm (4 feet 9 inches) tall.

A child can start using a seatbelt alone once any one of the following criteria is met:

+child turns eight years old
+child weighs 36 kg (80 lbs.)
+child is 145 cm (4 feet 9 inches) tall.

A lap and shoulder combination belt must be used with all booster seats. Your child’s head must be supported by the top of the booster, vehicle seat or headrest. The shoulder strap must lie across your child’s shoulder (not the neck or face) and middle of their chest, and the lap belt must cross low over the hips (not the stomach/abdomen). Never use seatbelt adjusters.

Answer 6

Children who grow to a certain size and weight should be in a car seat. That usually falls into the toddler range. After that all toddlers and older until at least 5 should be in a booster seat. Remember, if they were in a seat belt and their too small the seat belt could severely hurt them.

Answer 7

Unfortunatly it really doesnt go by how old they are anymore. They are using age lately. I have a 9 and a 6 year old. My 6 year old still needs to be in a booster because he is under 80 some pounds but my 9 year old can now be out. Check with your local Sheriffs department and they would have that info for you.

Answer 8

It doesnt matter what age as long as the child is over 80 pounds. If your 6 yr old is 50 pounds according to the law he/she still needs a car seat. Crazy I know but true.

Answer 9

8 years

Answer 10

Depends on the size of the child. My son is 5 and he is just about outgrown the booster seat.

Good Luck

Answer 11

This varies by state. Age is usually around six, but there is also a weight requirement that must be met (60 pounds, on average).