When can a child start using a seatbelt alone?5 H9 X# L6 v# f- `
A child can start using a seatbelt alone once any one of the following criteria is met:/ U2 S* p4 }' d
& U; {3 n" J9 K5 b3 X1 N. H$ J. mChild turns eight years old : _" {3 E$ |9 S1 P) @
Child weighs 36 kg (80 lbs.) ' b s, ^9 [' S+ Z4 [( tChild is 145 cm (57 ins. or 4 ft. 9 ins.) tall 6 e. a" U. V0 L1 u3 t6 S1 S' EAs a guide, a seat belt may only be used if a child is able to sit with legs bent comfortably over the vehicle seat and with his or her back fully against the back of the vehicle seat. The shoulder belt must lie flat across the child's shoulder and chest, and should not cross over the child's neck. The lap portion of the belt should be positioned low over the hips, not the abdomen.