In Illinois, what is the general requirement for using child safety restraints?

In Illinois, the law mandates that children under 8 years old must be secured in a proper child safety restraint system. This requirement is in place to ensure the safety of young passengers, as their size and weight make them more vulnerable in the event of a collision. Proper restraints, such as car seats or booster seats, are designed to protect children by providing adequate support and positioning them correctly to use the vehicle's seat belt effectively.

The law reflects a commitment to child safety in vehicles, recognizing that proper restraint use significantly reduces the risk of injury or death in car accidents. Since children continue to grow, specific age and weight guidelines are established to ensure that they transition through different types of safety restraints appropriately.

Other options suggest varying levels of restraint requirements that do not align with Illinois law; for example, suggesting that restraints are optional or only needed under certain conditions ignores the comprehensive safety standards mandated to protect child passengers at all times.