Knowing when it’s safe for a child to sit up front is an important part of responsible driving. Factors like age, size, seat belt fit, and vehicle safety features all play a role in making that decision. While Texas law doesn’t set a specific age, most safety guidelines recommend waiting until a child is at least 13 years old to ride in the front seat.
At Anderson, Cummings & Drawhorn, we help families understand their rights after serious accidents involving children. Whether you’re trying to prevent injuries or dealing with the aftermath of a crash, our experienced legal team is here to provide clear answers and trusted guidance. If you’re unsure how old you have to be to sit in the front seat in Texas, we’re here to support you every step of the way.
Different State Laws
| State | Minimum Age Requirement |
|---|---|
| Alabama | No state law; recommends children be at least 13 years old. |
| Alaska | No state law; children can sit in the front seat at any age if properly restrained. |
| Arizona | No state law; no minimum age specified. |
| Arkansas | No state law; recommends children be at least 13 years old. |
| California | Children must be at least 8 years old and more than 57 inches tall to sit in the front seat. |
| Colorado | Children must be at least 2 years old and more than 20 pounds; recommends 13+ years old. |
| Connecticut | No state law; no minimum age specified. |
| Delaware | Children must be at least 12 years old and more than 65 inches tall. |
| District of Columbia | No state law; no minimum age specified. |
| Florida | No state law; no minimum age specified. |
| Georgia | Children must be at least 8 years old. |
| Hawaii | No state law; recommends children be at least 13 years old. |
| Idaho | No state law; recommends children be at least 13 years old. |
| Illinois | No state law; no minimum age specified. |
| Indiana | Children must be at least 13 years old to sit in the front seat unless no back seat is available. |
| Iowa | No state law; recommends children be at least 13 years old. |
| Kansas | No state law; recommends children be at least 13 years old. |
| Kentucky | No state law; recommends children be at least 13 years old. |
| Louisiana | Children must be at least 13 years old to sit in the front seat unless no back seat is available. |
| Maine | Children must be at least 12 years old and a minimum of 100 pounds to sit in the front seat if possible. |
| Maryland | No state law; recommends children be at least 13 years old. |
| Massachusetts | No state law; recommends children be at least 13 years old. |
| Michigan | Children must be at least 4 years old to sit in the front seat; safety experts recommend age 13. |
| Minnesota | No state law; recommends children be at least 13 years old. |
| Mississippi | No state law; recommends children be at least 13 years old. |
| Missouri | No state law; recommends children be at least 13 years old. |
| Montana | No state law; recommends children be at least 13 years old. |
| Nebraska | Children must be at least 8 years old to sit in the front seat. |
| Nevada | No state law; recommends children be at least 13 years old. |
| New Hampshire | No state law; no minimum age specified. |
| New Jersey | Children must be at least 8 years old and more than 57 inches tall to sit in the front seat. |
| New Mexico | Children must be at least 2 years old to sit in the front seat. |
| New York | No state law; recommends children be at least 13 years old. |
| North Carolina | Children must be at least 5 years old and a minimum of 40 pounds to sit in the front seat. |
| North Dakota | No state law; no minimum age specified. |
| Ohio | Children must be at least 4 years old and a minimum of 40 pounds to sit in the front seat. |
| Oklahoma | No state law; recommends all children sit in the back seat. |
| Oregon | No state law; recommends children be at least 13 years old. |
| Pennsylvania | No state law; recommends children be at least 13 years old. |
| Rhode Island | Children must be at least 8 years old to sit in the front seat. |
| South Carolina | If there is a rear seat available, children must be at least 8 years old to sit in the front seat. |
| South Dakota | No state law; recommends children be at least 13 years old. |
| Tennessee | Children must be at least 9 years old and more than 57 inches tall to sit in the front seat. |
| Texas | No specific law; children under 8 years old or under 4’9″ must be in a child safety seat; recommends children under 13 years old sit in the back seat. |
| Utah | No state law; no minimum age specified. |
| Vermont | Children must be at least 2 years old and more than 20 pounds to sit in the front seat; recommends 13+ years. |
| Virginia | Children must be at least 8 years old to sit in the front seat unless no back seat is available. |
| Washington | Children must be at least 13 years old to sit in the front seat when practical. |
| West Virginia | No state law; recommends children be at least 13 years old. |
| Wisconsin | No state law; recommends children be at least 13 years old. |
| Wyoming | No state law; recommends children be at least 13 years old. |
What Does Texas Law Say About Child Seating?
Under Texas Transportation Code Sec. 545.412, it’s an offense to transport a child younger than eight years old—unless the child is taller than 4 feet 9 inches—without securing them in a proper child passenger safety seat system. These seats must be used according to the manufacturer’s instructions and are required whenever the child rides in a passenger vehicle, regardless of the distance or destination.
The law doesn’t specify a required age to sit in the front, but it does lay the groundwork for safe seating practices and emphasizes proper restraint use. That’s why many safety advocates recommend that children under 13 ride in the back seat—it offers better protection in the event of an accident and significantly lowers the risk of serious injury.
General Recommendations
When it comes to protecting young passengers, there are a few simple rules every parent should follow:
- Children under 13 should always ride in the back seat—every ride, no exceptions.
- Use a safety seat that fits your child’s current size and stage.
- Lap belts should lie flat across the upper thighs—not across the stomach.
- Shoulder belts should rest across the chest and shoulder, never touching the neck or face.
These guidelines aren’t just technicalities but practical steps that can significantly reduce the risk of serious injury in a crash. Giving children the safest spot in the vehicle helps ensure they’re protected when it matters most.
Airbag safety
Frontal airbags are designed to protect adults, but they can be dangerous for younger children. The deployment force can cause serious injuries to a child seated in the front. According to the NHTSA, front airbags have saved over 50,000 lives in serious crashes. For children under 13, the safest place is the back seat—where airbags aren’t a risk and seat belts provide better protection.
Weight and Age Restrictions
Texas may not give an exact weight cutoff, but general safety guidance offers these helpful markers for parents and caregivers:
- Under 13? The back seat is the best.
- Under 100 pounds? Keep them in the back for maximum safety.
- If a child can sit upright with knees bent at the edge of the seat and the belt fits snugly across the chest and lap, they may be ready for regular restraints.
It’s not just about age. It’s about size, strength, proper fit, maturity, and ensuring your child is protected on every ride—no matter how short.
What Are the Risks of a Kid Sitting in the Front Seat in Case of an Accident?
The front seat can be dangerous for children during a collision. Risks include:
- Head and neck injuries from airbag impact
- Spinal damage due to improper seat belt positioning
- Facial or internal trauma from hitting the dashboard or console
Children don’t have the body mass or frame to handle crash forces like adults. The back seat provides more space, a safer buffer zone, and reduces the chance of life-threatening injuries. Always prioritize safety by keeping kids properly restrained and seated in the back seat until they’re old and large enough for the front.
Related blogs:
- Should Your Child’s Car Seat Be Replaced After a Fort Worth Crash?
- How Children Can Distract Drivers and Increase the Risk of a Texas Distracted Driving Crash
Involved in a Car Accident?
A crash involving a child in the front seat can lead to serious injuries, unexpected medical bills, and pressure from insurance companies. It’s not uncommon for families to ask, “How old do you have to be to sit in the front seat in Texas?” after an accident—especially when children are hurt and safety decisions are under scrutiny.
The Anderson, Cummings & Drawhorn legal team is here to help you navigate what comes next. If you are in Dallas, Fort Worth or Arlington, our car accident lawyers are ready to help.We fight to protect your rights and pursue the compensation your family needs. Call 817-920-9000 for a free consultation today.