At what age can children typically start using a vehicle's seatbelt without a booster seat?

Children can typically start using a vehicle's seatbelt without a booster seat between the ages of 8 to 12 years old. This range is supported by safety guidelines suggesting that children should use booster seats until they are tall enough for the seatbelt to fit properly without one. The requirement for a boost typically ends when a child has reached a height of around 4 feet 9 inches, which usually occurs by the time they are between 8 and 12 years old.

Using a seatbelt without a booster seat is safe when the lap belt fits snugly across the upper thighs and the shoulder belt crosses snugly over the shoulder and chest, not across the neck or face. Therefore, it's essential to assess the child's size and the fit of the seatbelt to ensure their safety in the vehicle.