October 28, 2025 | Personal Injury
Parents want to keep their children safe, especially while driving. You may be wondering when your child can sit in the front seat in Pennsylvania. The answer depends on your child’s age, size, and whether you’re following state and federal safety guidelines. Knowing when it’s legally safe for your child to move out of the back seat can help prevent injuries in the event of a crash.
Pennsylvania Child Passenger Safety Laws
Pennsylvania law requires children under eight years old to be secured in a car seat or booster seat that’s appropriate for their age, weight, and height. Children under two must ride in a rear-facing car seat until they outgrow the seat’s maximum limits.
These laws don’t directly mention when a child can sit in the front seat. However, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) and national safety organizations recommend that all children under 13 ride in the back seat whenever possible.
Why the Back Seat Is Safer for Children
The front seat poses a higher risk to children due to the presence of airbags and their proximity to crash zones. Airbags are designed for adults and can cause serious harm to smaller passengers during deployment. Children are more likely to suffer head, neck, or chest injuries when riding in the front.
Rear seats provide more distance from the point of impact in a frontal crash, which is the most common type of serious car accident.
Guidelines for Transitioning to the Front Seat
Although state law doesn’t set a specific age, here are some general safety recommendations for letting a child sit in the front seat:
- Age: Wait until your child is at least 13 years old
- Height: Your child should be tall enough to sit comfortably without slouching.
- Weight: Larger children are better protected by seat belts and airbags.
- Seat belt fit: The belt should lie across the upper thighs and shoulder, not the neck or stomach.
- Behavior: Your child should be able to sit upright and remain calm during the ride.
Before transitioning your child to the front seat, ensure the vehicle seat is pushed back as far as possible and that the airbag is active, unless your car allows you to turn it off for safety reasons.
Letting a child ride in the front seat too early increases the risk of injury.
Legal Consequences of Violating Car Seat Laws
Although there’s no specific law regarding when a child can sit in the front, failing to use a proper car seat or booster for younger children can result in a traffic citation. Pennsylvania law allows for fines and points on your license if you’re caught violating child safety seat regulations.
In the event of an accident, failing to follow safety guidelines could also affect a personal injury claim. Insurance companies may argue that a child’s injuries were worsened by improper seating, which could reduce compensation.
What to Do if Your Child Is Hurt in a Crash
If your child was injured while riding in any seat, it’s important to get medical care immediately and document the accident. Keep track of all records of hospital visits, treatments, and doctors’ notes. Then speak with a personal injury lawyer who can help you explore your options.
A lawyer may be able to help you recover damages for:
- Medical expenses
- Future treatment or therapy
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of quality of life
You don’t need to handle everything alone. A lawyer can explain your rights and help you make the best decisions for your child and your family.
Contact Fellerman & Ciarimboli, Law PC, Today to Schedule a Free Consultation With a Scranton Car Accident Lawyer
If your child was injured in a car accident, you don’t have to navigate the aftermath alone. The experienced Scranton car accident attorneys at Fellerman & Ciarimboli, Law PC are here to help you understand your legal rights and pursue the compensation your family deserves. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
For more information, contact Fellerman & Ciarimboli, Law PC to schedule a free consultation with our experienced personal injury attorneys. We proudly serve clients in Scranton, Kingston, Berwick, PA, and Columbia, Lackawanna, Luzerne Counties. We’re here to fight for your rights with trusted, experienced legal support. Let us help you get the justice and compensation you deserve.
Fellerman & Ciarimboli, Law PC Scranton
436 Spruce St Suite 100, Scranton, PA 18503
(570) 714-4878
Fellerman & Ciarimboli, Law PC Kingston
183 Market St #200, Kingston, PA 18704
(570) 714-4878
Fellerman & Ciarimboli, Law PC Berwick
120 W Front St, Berwick, PA 18603
(570) 714-4878
