To sit in the front passenger seat of a car, children generally need to be at least 1.35 meters (approximately 4 feet 5 inches) tall and/or at least 12 years old, depending on the country's specific laws. For example, in the Netherlands, children can only sit in the front seat when they are at least 1.35 meters tall or have reached 12 years of age; otherwise, they must use an appropriate child seat in the back
. In the UK, children must use a child car seat until they are 12 years old or 135 centimeters tall, whichever comes first. After that, they can sit in the front seat but must wear a seat belt
. In the US, safety organizations like the National Safety Council and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend that children under 13 years old should ride in the back seat, and children should be at least 4 feet 9 inches tall (about 1.45 meters) and weigh at least 80 pounds before sitting in the front seat, mainly due to airbag safety concerns
Summary:
- Minimum height: about 1.35 meters (4'5") to 1.45 meters (4'9"), depending on jurisdiction
- Minimum age: typically 12 years old
- Children shorter or younger than these limits must use a proper child car seat or booster seat in the back
- Always use seat belts properly once allowed to sit in the front
These rules are designed to ensure children’s safety, particularly because front airbags can be dangerous for smaller children. It is advised to keep children in the rear seats as long as possible for maximum protection
