Kids can legally sit in the front seat under different conditions depending on the country and their age, height, or weight. Generally:
- In the UK, children aged 3-12 or up to 135 cm tall must use a child seat or booster seat and can sit in the front or back seat with these restraints. Children under 3 can only sit in the front if no rear seat is available and the airbag is disabled. Recommended to keep children in the back as long as possible for safety.
- In the US (e.g., Colorado), it is legal for kids of any age to sit in the front seat if they weigh at least 20 pounds, but safety experts recommend children stay in the back seat until at least 13 years old due to airbag risks.
- In many European countries like the Netherlands and Germany, children under 12 years or below about 135-150 cm tall must use car seats or booster seats and usually sit in the back. Children can sit in the front once they are 12 years or taller than 135-150 cm, but they must wear seat belts.
- In Australia, kids 7 years and older can sit in the front seat but ideally should be at least 12 years old, meeting safety criteria and with the seat moved back away from airbags.
In all cases, children younger than the recommended age or smaller in size should sit in the back using the appropriate child restraint, and airbags should be disabled or the seat moved far back if they sit in front. So, kids can generally sit in the front seat safely when they are about 12-13 years old or have reached around 135-150 cm in height and use proper seat belts, depending on local laws and car safety features.
