What is the legal requirement for child safety seats in Texas?

In Texas, the law specifies that children under 8 years of age must be secured in a child safety seat or a booster seat unless they are taller than 4 feet 9 inches. This requirement is based on the need to provide the maximum protection for young passengers in the event of a vehicle crash. Proper restraint systems, such as child safety seats and booster seats, are designed to reduce the risk of injury by correctly positioning the seat belt on the child's body and providing additional cushioning and support.

The legal framework aims to ensure children's safety while traveling in vehicles, which is why the height limitation is also included—children who are over 4 feet 9 inches are typically better able to use standard seat belts safely. Other options may address various aspects of child passenger safety regulations, but this specific requirement stands out because it emphasizes both age and height considerations in the use of child safety seats.