What must the transmission be in for a vehicle with an automatic transmission to start?

For a vehicle equipped with an automatic transmission to start, it must be in the "Park" position. This safety feature is designed to prevent the vehicle from inadvertently moving when the engine starts. In the "Park" position, the transmission locks the drive wheels, ensuring that the vehicle remains stationary until the driver intentionally shifts it into "Drive" or "Reverse."

Additionally, while it is true that some vehicles may allow starting in "Neutral," this is not the standard for all automatic transmissions. Starting in "Drive" or "Reverse" is generally not allowed for safety reasons, as this could result in the vehicle moving unexpectedly. Therefore, the correct requirement for starting a vehicle with an automatic transmission is that it must be in "Park."