All children under what age must be secured in the back seat in an approved restraint device?

The correct age for children needing to be secured in the back seat in an approved restraint device is 5 years old. This regulation is based on safety guidelines designed to protect young passengers, as it is widely recognized that the back seat is the safest place for children in the event of a car crash. Children under this age generally are not physically developed enough to use standard seatbelts safely, which is why approved restraint devices, such as car seats or booster seats, are mandated.

By securing children until they are at least 5 years old, the likelihood of serious injury in an accident is significantly reduced. Children who are older than this may be able to transition to using a seatbelt alone, but they should continue to sit in the back seat for safety reasons. This regulation helps ensure that the most vulnerable passengers, children, are as safe as possible while traveling in vehicles.