What is the requirement for using child safety seats for children under 8?

The requirement for using child safety seats for children under 8 is based on their height and weight, which is correctly stated in the provided answer. Specifically, children must be secured in an appropriate child safety seat unless they exceed 4'9" in height or weigh more than 65 pounds. This regulation is designed to ensure that children are protected in the event of a collision by using restraints that are suitable for their size, as standard seat belts may not adequately protect smaller children.

Height and weight limits are established to transition children from forward-facing seats to booster seats and then to regular seat belts safely, reducing the risk of injury. Recognizing the importance of these measurements helps ensure that children remain in restraints until they are big enough to be safely secured by adult seat belts, ultimately promoting their safety while traveling in a vehicle.