When Can a Child Sit in the Front Seat?

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NHTSA and the AAP recommend that children under 13 ride in the back seat. The back seat is generally the safest place for children, away from the force of frontal airbags and the most common crash impacts.

Why 13?

Frontal airbags are designed for adult-sized occupants. They deploy with great force and can seriously injure children, whose bodies are still developing. By around age 13, most children are large enough for adult seat belts and airbags to protect them as designed. Age is a guideline; size and maturity also matter.

Rear-facing seats and airbags

Never place a rear-facing car seat in front of an active frontal airbag. The airbag deploys directly into the back of the car seat, near the child's head, and can cause severe or fatal injuries. This is one of the most important car seat rules.

Vehicles without a back seat

In pickup trucks with no rear seat, two-seat sports cars and some other vehicles, children may need to ride in front. Check your vehicle manual. Many such vehicles have an airbag on-off switch or automatic passenger airbag suppression. Rear-facing seats may only be used in front if the airbag is turned off per the manual. Move the vehicle seat as far back as possible for forward-facing children. See car seats in pickup trucks.

State laws

Some states have specific front seat laws; others rely on general car seat requirements. Best practice under NHTSA's recommendation meets or exceeds nearly all state laws. See car seat laws by state.

Side airbags and older kids

Side airbags in the rear are designed with occupants in mind, but children should sit properly, not leaning against doors. Follow your vehicle manual.

Checklist before moving a child to the front

• At least 13 years old, per NHTSA recommendation.
• Passes the seat belt fit test: lap belt low on hips, shoulder belt across chest and collarbone.
• Sits back against the seat without slouching.
• Vehicle seat moved back as far as practical from the dashboard.

What makes the back seat safer

In frontal crashes, the most common type of serious crash, the back seat is farther from the point of impact. Children in the back are also away from the frontal airbag, which is designed and tested with adult bodies in mind. Research has consistently shown that children ride more safely in the back seat. That's the reason behind the NHTSA recommendation and many state laws.

Airbag on-off switches and suppression

Some vehicles have manual passenger airbag switches, often in vehicles without rear seats. Many modern vehicles have occupant classification systems that detect a small occupant and suppress the frontal airbag. These systems aren't a reason to move a child to the front when a back seat is available. If your vehicle has a manual switch, follow the manual for when to use it, and remember to turn the airbag back on for adult passengers.

When a child must ride in front

If you have no choice, such as a single-cab pickup, follow your vehicle manual carefully. For forward-facing children, move the vehicle seat as far back as possible, make sure the child is properly restrained for their size, and follow any airbag instructions. Rear-facing seats may only be placed in front where the airbag can be turned off and the manual allows it. A CPST can help with unusual vehicles.

Teens and the front seat

Once children are 13 and fit the adult seat belt properly, they can ride in front. Teach them to sit upright, keep feet off the dashboard, and keep the shoulder belt on the shoulder. Feet on the dashboard can cause serious injuries if the airbag deploys.

Explaining the rule to kids

Children often want to ride up front like older siblings or friends. Explain that the rule is about how airbags and seat belts fit bodies, not about being grown up. Consistency from all drivers helps. Many families treat age 13 as a fixed family rule.

Buses, taxis and other vehicles

In taxis and rideshares, children should still ride in the back seat in an appropriate restraint. On school buses, different rules and designs apply. See school bus car seat rules.

Our bottom line

Keep children in the back seat until 13, never put a rear-facing seat in front of an active airbag, and follow your vehicle manual in vehicles without a back seat. Once your child is 13 and the belt fits properly, they can move up front.

Checking the vehicle manual

Vehicle manuals include a child restraint section describing approved positions, airbag systems and any warnings. Read it for every vehicle you use regularly.

Sharing the rule with other drivers

Tell carpool drivers and grandparents your family's back-seat rule so every ride is consistent.

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