Front Seat Rules by State
Front seat age rules by state — many states require children to ride in the back seat until 8, 12, or 13. Here is the picture.
Front seat age rules by state — many states require children to ride in the back seat until 8, 12, or 13. Here is the picture.
Several states require children under a certain age to ride in the back seat: 8 in California, Georgia, New Jersey, New York and Virginia; 12 in some others; 13 in D.C. and Washington (recommended). Where the law is silent (most states), safety groups still recommend the back seat until 13 because airbags are designed for adults.
Never put a rear-facing seat in front of an active airbag. For the rule in your state, see the state chart.
Frequently Asked Questions
At what age can a child sit in the front seat?
Where state law sets a rule, usually 8-13; otherwise safety groups recommend 13. Airbags can injure smaller children.
Can a booster seat go in the front?
Only if the car has no back seat or the back seat is occupied by other child restraints — and the airbag should be disabled or the seat pushed back.
Which states require the back seat?
California, Georgia, New Jersey, New York, Virginia and D.C. set explicit back-seat ages; see your state page for details.