At What Age Can a Child Sit in the Front Passenger Seat of a Car?
2 Answers
Children must be at least 12 years old to sit in the front passenger seat of a car. Here is some relevant information: 1. Function: The front passenger seat serves a navigational role. During driving, the driver's attention is primarily focused on the road ahead and operating the vehicle. When encountering unfamiliar road conditions, if the driver has to divert significant attention to check navigation, it is not only unsafe but can also lead to increased anxiety. In such situations, the person in the front passenger seat should assist with navigation to reduce the driver's operational burden. 2. Children under 12 are not allowed in the front passenger seat: When driving a motor vehicle on the road, minors under the age of 12 must not be seated in the front passenger seat. Although minors aged 12 and above can sit in the front passenger seat, for safety reasons, it is best to use a child safety seat.
I've been driving for over a decade and have seen many accidents caused by children sitting in the front passenger seat. The law prohibits children under 12 from riding in the front seat, primarily due to the impact force of airbag deployment. While an adult's chest can withstand that impact, a child's ribs might fracture. I recommend parents use child safety seats secured in the center of the rear seat. Some parents think taller children can sit in front, but skeletal development is the key factor. Airbags deploy at 300 km/h, and the instantaneous impact could injure a child's cervical spine. It's best to wait until children enter middle school before considering the front passenger seat.
