When Can My Kid Sit in the Front Seat?

Your child can sit in the front seat of a vehicle as long as the child is securely fastened in a car seat or booster seat or using a properly fitted seat belt. Arizona law does not specify an age or a minimum weight requirement for when kids can sit in the front seat. 

You must use a restraint appropriate for your child’s age, height, and weight. To maximize safety, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installing and using the car seat or booster seat.

If you have been in an accident where child passenger safety is in question, a Phoenix car accident lawyer from our firm can provide guidance on your legal rights and responsibilities. We can also pursue compensation if another driver’s negligence injured your child.

Use the Appropriate Car Seat for Your Child’s Age, Size

Arizona’s child restraint laws require all child restraint systems to meet federal regulations. The options you use will vary according to your child’s age and size. 

• If your child is under age 5, you must use a rear-facing or forward-facing car seat or a booster seat that complies with federal safety regulations. You can check the manufacturer’s instructions or ask a fire department or law enforcement official to help determine the size that is best for your child.
• If your child is between age 5 and age 8, you must restrain your child if they are under 4 feet 9 inches. If they are older than 5 and at least 4′ 9″, they can use an adult seat belt in accordance with Arizona’s seat belt laws. 
• If your child is at least 8 years old or older, they may use an adult seat belt, whether they sit in the front seat or back seat. Generally, they may not need a booster seat if the seat belt fits properly. Still, you can use one to ensure their safety. A proper seat belt fits the child across the upper thighs and is comfortably close-fitting across the shoulder and chest. It should not cross the child’s neck or face. 

For a free legal consultation, call 866-499-8989

Some Advise Kids Under Age 13 to Ride in the Back Seat

Adult drivers should use their best judgment when determining if their kids can sit in the front seat. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advise that children under the age of 13 should always ride in the back seat. 

Arizona’s seat belt laws apply to every person riding in a vehicle regardless of whether they are riding in the front seat or the back seat This includes children. The state requires a child 8 years old or older to wear a seat belt while the vehicle is moving. If your child is under the age of 8, they must ride in a child safety restraint seat that meets Arizona’s safety standards.

What Are the Risks of a Child Sitting in the Front Seat?

Keeping your child safe when they sit in the front seat of a vehicle involves more than just following age guidelines. You should consider a few important factors to reduce the risks for young passengers, such as:

Airbag Risks

Airbags are designed to protect adults in a collision, but they can be dangerous for children, especially those under 13. The deployment force of an airbag can cause serious injury or even be fatal to a child. 

If your child must sit in the front seat, ensure the vehicle’s airbag system is appropriate for their size and weight, and consider disabling the passenger airbag if possible.

Seat Positioning

If a child over 13 must sit in the front seat, move the seat as far back as possible to maximize the distance between the child and the dashboard/airbag. This reduces the risk of injury from airbag deployment.

Heat Risks

The intense Arizona heat can pose additional risks, such as the potential for burns from hot seat belt buckles or other metal parts inside your vehicle. These risks exist whether your kid sits in the front seat or the back seat. 

Therefore, make sure your vehicle is cool and safe before allowing your child to sit in the front passenger seat. You can also review with them how to operate the seat belt properly and other safety measures.

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Seeking Damages for a Car Accident Involving a Child Sitting in the Front Seat

If your kid was sitting in the front seat during an accident that someone else caused, you may be able to recover financial compensation that pays your medical bills and cover other related damages. 

A Phoenix personal injury lawyer from our team will review the accident and determine the liable parties and how their negligence harmed you. You can leave your case to us while you focus on recovering from the collision.

We Will Seek Damages From the Insurance Company on Your Behalf

We can make your case to the insurer to avoid a lower payout or a denied claim. Insurance companies use various tactics to minimize or deny accident claims. This means an insurer may try to use the fact that your child was sitting in the front seat as a reason not to cover your accident-related costs.

We can gather evidence that proves your child was wearing the proper child restraint when sitting in the front seat when the accident occurred.

 If you are found partially responsible for the accident, we can still pursue damages in a comparative negligence case. Your percentage of fault will reduce your potential award.

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Call Us for Legal Help After a Car Accident — Free Consultation

When can your child sit in the front seat? Your kid can sit in the front seat at any age as long as they are securely fastened in their seat. Depending on their age, height, and weight, they must ride in a properly secured car seat or booster seat. If they are using an adult seat belt, it must fit them properly, and they must be at least 8 years old to use it.

An attorney at Zanes Law can handle your car accident case involving child safety restraints. During a free consultation, we can review the accident, explain your legal options, and advise you on your next steps. Call or contact us online to get started.

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