At what age must a child be positioned in the rear seat of a vehicle if equipped?

The appropriate age for a child to be positioned in the rear seat of a vehicle, when equipped, is under the age of 4. This guideline is significant in ensuring the safety of young children during travel.

Children under 4 years old are more vulnerable in the event of an accident, as their smaller size leaves them at a higher risk for injury when positioned in the front seat, where airbags can deploy with great force. The rear seat offers a safer environment by keeping them away from those potentially harmful impacts. Additionally, safety regulations and recommendations from organizations such as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration emphasize that children remain in the rear seat until they are at least 4 years old, which helps to reinforce this critical safety measure.

The other age groups listed represent ages that do not necessarily align with current best practices for child passenger safety. Children older than 4 may still require a booster seat or other safety equipment but are not subjected to the same strict guidelines for rear seat positioning as those specifically under 4 years of age.