Northern Virginia Criminal Justice Academy (NVCJA) Practice Exam

What is required for a child between 0-8 years old during vehicle travel?

1. Must wear a regular seat belt

2. Must be properly secured in a child restraint

3. Must sit in the front seat

4. No requirement

The correct answer is: Must be properly secured in a child restraint

The requirement for a child between 0-8 years old during vehicle travel is that they must be properly secured in a child restraint. This is based on safety laws aimed at protecting young passengers who are particularly vulnerable in the event of an accident. Child restraints, which include car seats and booster seats, are designed to provide the necessary support and protection for children, ensuring that they are safely restrained to reduce the risk of injury. Regular seat belts are typically designed for adult passengers and might not adequately secure a child, leading to a higher chance of injury during a crash. Additionally, placing a young child in the front seat poses significant risks due to airbag deployment and the potential for accidents. Lastly, stating there is no requirement contradicts established laws that mandate appropriate child restraint systems for safety. Thus, the option highlighting the necessity of a child restraint aligns with national safety standards and practices in child passenger safety.