Child passenger safety is a critical responsibility for every parent, especially during travel.

According to the NHTSA, car crashes remain the leading cause of death for children ages 2 to 14, often due to incorrect use or lack of car seats and seat belts. While most parents understand the importance of booster and car seat laws, knowing when a child can legally and safely sit in the front seat is just as vital.

However, the rules aren’t uniform across the U.S. About 55% states don’t have a set minimum age for front-seat riding, while others enforce strict age, height, or weight guidelines. This can create confusion for well-meaning caregivers.

This guide breaks down the key legal requirements by state, helping parents make informed, safety-first decisions. When it comes to your child’s well-being, clarity and caution always come first.

Why Front Seat Laws Exist

Front seat laws are in place to reduce the risk of injury to children in the event of a car accident.

The front seat is positioned closer to the impact zones and features airbags designed for adults. When these airbags deploy, they do so with great force, which can seriously harm a child. That’s why many states restrict young passengers from riding up front.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), kids under 13 should always ride in the back seat. Their recommendation is supported by research indicating that the back seat offers a safer space during collisions.

Even if your state doesn’t have strict laws, following this guideline is one of the simplest ways to keep your child safer every time you drive.

General Guidelines for Front Seat Eligibility

While specific laws vary by state, general guidelines suggest:

• Children should be at least 13 years old before riding in the front seat.
• Children should be tall enough for the seatbelt to fit properly, typically around 4 feet 9 inches in height.
• Children should be able to sit properly without slouching, leaning forward, or unbuckling the seatbelt.

These guidelines aim to ensure that the seatbelt and airbags function as intended, providing maximum protection.

Legal Age Requirements for Front Seat Passengers by State

Disclaimer: Please note that laws are subject to change, and it’s advisable to consult your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent authority for the most current information.

Below is a state-by-state breakdown of legal requirements for children riding in the front seat.

1. Texas

Section: Texas Transportation Code § 545.412 (Child Passenger Safety Seat Systems)
Law: Children must be at least 8 years old to sit in the front seat.

2. Virginia

Section: Virginia Code § 46.2-1095
Law: Children aged 8 and older can sit in the front or back seat with a seatbelt. Anyone transporting someone under 18 must ensure proper safety restraints.

3. California

Section: California Vehicle Code § 27360
Law: Children under 8 must be in a child restraint system in the back seat. At 8 or 4’9″, booster or seat belt use is required.

4. Colorado

Section: Colorado Revised Statutes § 42-4-236
Law: Children under 9 must ride in the back seat if available. Children under 2 must be in a rear-facing seat.

5. Delaware

Section: Delaware Code Title 21 § 4803
Law: Children under 12 and shorter than 66″ may not sit in front of an active airbag.

6. Maine

Section: Maine Revised Statutes Title 29-A § 2081
Law: Children under 12 and under 100 lbs. must be secured in the back seat when possible.

7. Michigan

Section: Michigan Compiled Laws § 257.710d
Law: Starting in 2025, all children under 13 must ride in the back seat if available.

8. Nebraska

Section: Nebraska Revised Statutes § 60-6,267
Law: Age 8 is the minimum requirement for front seat passengers.

9. New Jersey

Section: New Jersey Statutes § 39:3-76.2a
Law: Children must be 8 years old and 57 inches tall to sit in the front seat.

10. North Carolina

Section: North Carolina General Statutes § 20-137.1
Law: Children must be at least 5 years old and over 40 lbs to sit in the front seat.

11. Ohio

Section: Ohio Revised Code § 4511.81
Law: Minimum of 4 years old and 40 lbs required for front seat travel.

12. Rhode Island

Section: Rhode Island General Laws § 31-22-22
Law: Children must be at least 8 years old to sit in the front seat.

13. South Carolina

Section: South Carolina Code § 56-5-6410
Law: Age 8 minimum for front seat use.

14. Tennessee

Section: Tennessee Code § 55-9-602
Law: Children must be at least 9 years old and 57 inches tall for front seat use.

15. Wyoming

Section: Wyoming Statutes § 31-5-1402
Law: Children must be at least 9 years old to sit in the front seat.

16. Washington

Section: RCW 46.61.687
Law: Children under 13 must ride in the back seat when practical.

17. Louisiana

Section: Louisiana Revised Statutes § 32:295
Law: Children under 13 are advised to ride in the back seat if available.

18. Indiana

Section: IC 9-19-11
Law: No explicit front seat age, but children under 13 are recommended to sit in the back.

19. New Mexico

Section: NMSA 1978, § 66-7-369
Law: Children under 2 must be rear-facing in the back; children under 12 are recommended to sit in the back.

20. Georgia

Section: O.C.G.A. § 40-8-76
Law: Children under 8 must sit in the back seat if available.

21. Minnesota

Section: Minnesota Statute 169.686
Law: Children under 8 must use child restraints; back seat strongly recommended.

22. Vermont

Section: Vermont Statutes Title 23 § 1258 (Child Restraint Systems)
Law: Children under 8 must be in a car seat or booster seat, and children are generally recommended to ride in the back seat. 

States Without Specific Age Requirements

A total of 28 states, out of all the states in the US, do not have a law on the books dictating a minimum age for children to sit in the front seat of a car but most of these states do have strong recommended ages.

The following states do not have specific laws regarding the minimum age for front seat passengers:

These states do not have specific laws regarding the minimum age for front seat passengers.

Safety Recommendations from Experts

Here’s what top safety agencies advise:

• The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that all children under the age of 13 ride in the back seat.
• NHTSA emphasizes seatbelt readiness and recommends using a booster seat until a child is old enough to fit an adult seatbelt.
• Safe Kids Worldwide encourages delaying front seat travel until maturity and size are appropriate.
• Laws do change periodically; cross-checking with official state sources or the NHTSA for your state’s latest requirements is always encouraged.

By following these expert-backed recommendations, you’re not just following best practices; you’re making every ride safer and giving your child the protection they deserve.

Tips for Transitioning Safely to the Front Seat

Moving your child to the front seat is a big step, but only when they’re truly ready. Even if they meet legal age or size requirements, following extra safety steps can go a long way in protecting them.

Here are some smart ways to make the switch smoother and safer.

• Ensure they wear the seatbelt properly, with the strap across the chest, not under the arm or behind the back.
• Slide the front seat as far back as possible to increase the distance from the airbag.
• Disable the front passenger airbag if your child is still small and your vehicle allows it.
• Keep their posture upright, with no leaning, slouching, or placing their feet on the dashboard.
• Set the example: always buckle up, stay focused, and follow road safety rules.

The Bottom Line

Front seat laws vary across states, but safety should always be the top priority.

While some states have no set minimum age, experts, such as the AAP and NHTSA, recommend that children under 13 ride in the back, ideally in the center seat.

Meeting the legal age or height requirement is only part of the equation; maturity and proper seatbelt use are equally important.

Always check your state’s laws, use the five-step seatbelt fit test, and consult certified safety technicians when in doubt. For current guidance, visit resources like NHTSA.gov and AAP.org.

When it comes to your child’s safety, cautious choices make the biggest difference.