No child under the age of 13 should sit in the front seat according to the centers for disease control and prevention. Ages 8 to 12 when a child has outgrown the weight and height limits for a. Make sure children are properly buckled in a car seat booster seat or seat belt whichever is appropriate for their weight height and age. Once weight and height requirements for booster seats have been passed children can sit in the car seats designed for adults. Generally children must be at least 4 feet 9 inches tall before they stop using a car seat. If you need help installing your car seat trust a professional and find a car seat inspection station near you.
Booster seat and car seat age minimums are indicated within the law but you must also always review the weight and height restrictions set by the car seat or booster seat manufacturer. Properly install according to instructions in owners manual rear facing in the back seat. All children must be properly restrained in a federally approved child safety seat appropriate for the childs age weight and height up to 8 years of age or 65 lbs whichever comes first. Weight limits for most seats range from 2065 pounds lb. In maryland a childs height can change the requirements so make sure you take into account the legal requirements in combination with the car or booster. Delawares child restraint law reads.
Parents must also check their car seat manufacturers height and weight limits and follow recommendations from health and safety organizations. Lap and shoulder belts should always be worn. Children under age 1 should always ride in a rear facing car seat. The seat should have the weight and height limits listed. Some states dont specifically list age height or weight requirements for sitting in the front seat but they do specify that children should reach 4 feet 9 inches before using an adult seat belt. For the best possible protection infants and toddlers should be buckled in a rear facing car seat in the back seat until they reach the maximum weight and height limits of their car seat.
According to indiana university when a child is older than 13 and taller than 4 feet 9 inches she is allowed to ride in the front seat. Use a rear facing car seat from birth until ages 24. According to the indiana criminal justice institute if more children are in the car than can fit properly in the backseat the child who can be kept farthest from the airbag the tallest child may sit in the front seat. Height limits also vary. Usually the maximum weight limit is between 40 and 65 pounds. Use a rear facing infant or rear facing convertible safety seat as long as possible up to the rear facing height or weight limit of the seat.
Children may sit in the front seat with a seat belt if their height and weight have passed the booster seat limits. 8 years old and above. Visit our main car seat safety page for additional age weight and height guidelines.