How old can you be to sit in the front passenger seat in 2021?
3 Answers
Children aged 12 and above can sit in the front passenger seat. There are no strict regulations prohibiting children from sitting in the front passenger seat or requiring the use of child safety seats. However, there are clear rules that minors under the age of 12 are not allowed to sit in the front passenger seat. Although minors aged 12 and above can sit in the front passenger seat, it is advisable to use a child safety seat for added safety. Additionally, pregnant women should avoid sitting in the front passenger seat due to the design of seat belts, which may not adequately accommodate their body shape. To minimize unnecessary risks, it is recommended that pregnant women refrain from sitting in the front passenger seat. Legal basis: "Regulations for the Implementation of the Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China": Article 55: Motor vehicles carrying passengers shall comply with the following provisions: Passenger vehicles on highways shall not exceed the approved number of passengers, except for children exempted from tickets as per regulations. When the passenger capacity is full, the number of exempted children shall not exceed 10% of the approved passenger capacity. The cargo compartment of a freight vehicle shall not carry passengers. On urban roads, if there is a safe space, the cargo compartment of a freight vehicle may carry temporary workers, ranging from 1 to 5 persons. When the height of the cargo exceeds the cargo compartment's sideboards, no person shall be allowed on top of the cargo. Motorcycles shall not carry minors under the age of 12 on the rear seat, and light motorcycles shall not carry any passengers.
In 2021, according to China's Road Traffic Safety Law, children aged 12 and above are allowed to sit in the front passenger seat of a car, but they must reach a height of at least 140 cm to be considered safe. In my work, I often handle traffic accident cases and find that many parents overlook this, leading to tragedies. For example, airbags deploy with strong force, and if a child is too small to sit in the front seat, the impact of the airbag can cause serious injuries. The rear seats offer more cushioning space and lateral protection. It is recommended that even if a child is 12 years old, priority should be given to using a rear child seat or booster cushion. Data shows that the injury and fatality rate in rear seats is 30% lower. Parents should develop the habit of checking their child's height and seatbelt. Do not take risks for convenience—life is priceless.
As a parent, I didn't allow my child to sit in the front passenger seat until they turned 12 in 2021. The legal requirement sets this age threshold, and reaching 140cm in height is also crucial. I personally measured my child's height to ensure compliance before feeling at ease, as the force from airbag deployment could harm small bodies. The back seat is safer with lower airbag risks, and I also used a booster seat. That incident where a friend's child got injured in an accident further reminded me not to cut corners. When children sit in front, they often get excited, but it's important to teach them to fasten seat belts properly and avoid moving around. Safety awareness starts at home, and instilling these habits now can protect the next generation.
