JUSTICENTER Personal Injury Lawyers | September 26, 2025 | Car Accidents

Most parents know that small children are supposed to sit in the back seat of a vehicle for safety reasons. However, as children age, they typically want to move to the front seat as soon as possible. Moving to the front seat makes them feel more “grown up,” and peer pressure often plays a role as their friends begin to sit in the front seat. 

Keep reading below to learn the rules in California about children sitting in the front seat.

California’s Front Seat Rules for Children

California has specific rules about children moving to the front seat. According to the California Highway Patrol, a child under eight must be secured in a car seat or booster seat in the vehicle’s back seat. Children 8 or older or who have reached 4 feet 9 inches tall may sit in the front seat, but they must be secured by a seat belt.

Even though a child may legally sit in the front seat in California at 8 years old, the back seat is still preferred. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recommends that children remain in the back seat until they reach 13 years old.

These recommendations are in place for the child’s safety in the event of a car accident. During an accident, airbags can deploy and cause serious injuries to a child. Injuries may include concussions, lacerations, facial injuries, and more.

Front Seat Rules in Other States

While most states recommend that children remain in the back seat until a certain age, few states have laws that specify when a child may move to the front seat. 

Some states follow the NHTSA recommendations. Others allow a child to move to the front at 8 years old, and a handful of states require children to remain in the back seat until age 13. Surprisingly, some states allow children as young as 4 years old to sit in the front seat.

Other Factors to Consider When Moving a Child to the Front Seat

Age is not the only factor a parent should consider when deciding whether to allow their child to sit in the front seat. Height and weight also play a big role in the decision. Seat belts are generally designed to fit adults, and a poorly fitting seat belt on a child will not function properly during an accident.

Generally, it is recommended that you do not move your child to the front seat unless they are at least 4 feet 9 inches tall. Weight requirements vary, but most children outgrow their harness-style car seat around 40 to 65 pounds. Parents should consider all these factors to help make the right decision for their child and family.

Common Child Injuries Occurring in Car Accidents

Child car seat requirements are in place to help protect children from injuries during an accident. Some of the most common child injuries resulting from car accidents include:

  • Concussions
  • Broken bones
  • Lacerations
  • Internal organ damage
  • Shoulder injuries
  • Hip and leg injuries

Keeping kids in the back seat as long as possible helps avoid devastating injuries that could affect their quality of life for years to come. 

Contact Our Sherman Oaks Car Accident Lawyers at JUSTICENTER Personal Injury Lawyers for a Free Consultation

Parents may feel the urge to allow their children to move to the front seat, especially when the child’s friends are already riding in the front seat. However, if staying in the back seat can help avoid a catastrophic injury, that is the best option. Your child’s safety is worth waiting a little longer to allow your child to move to the front seat. 

If your child does get injured in a car accident, you may be able to recover damages in a personal injury claim. Call our Sherman Oaks personal injury lawyers at 833-852-3600 JUSTICENTER Personal Injury Lawyers for a free consultation.