Hey Trina I have a question by way of my oldest son. He is desparately wanting to sit in the front seat. He is 4'10" and about 85 lbs (10.5 y/o). I thought you had to be 5'0" to sit in the front seat (aka "ride shotgun" as he says), but what I'm finding on the NHTSA site is age based, 12 yrs. What are your recomendations? I told him I'd asked my "friend", the expert TIA!

By Trina~moderator on Saturday, September 18, 2004 - 05:37 pm:

Yes, the general recommendation is 12 and under in the back seat. They really should be of adult size and stature before sitting in the front. The primary concern is the air bag, because force of deployment can be deadly.

A good article by Stephanie Trombrello (Executive Director of SafetyBeltSafe U.S.A.)
When can my child safely ride in the front seat of a car?

By Pamt on Saturday, September 18, 2004 - 10:24 pm:

Thanks!

By Trina~moderator on Sunday, September 19, 2004 - 10:36 am:

You're welcome!

By Vicki on Sunday, September 19, 2004 - 08:24 pm:

Dd wants to ride in the front seat soooo bad. She is almost 10 but is a little peanut. She is tall, but only weighs about 56 pounds!! She might have to learn to drive from the back seat!! LOL