When can my child legally sit in the front seat? See CA rules for kids in cars
California has several rules of the road for drivers to follow, governing everything from driving with expired tags to switching lanes in an intersection.
What does the law say about kids riding in cars?
When is your child legally allowed to move from a booster seat in the back to the front passenger seat?
Here’s what California law says about when it’s safe to make the switch:
How long does my child have to sit in rear-facing car seat?
According to California Vehicle Code 27360, children under 2 must ride in a rear-facing car seat — unless they weigh 40 pounds or more or are at least 40 inches tall.
The child must be secured in a way that complies with the height and weight limits specified by the car seat’s manufacturer, according to the vehicle code.
Once your child turns 2 and meets the size limits, they can switch to a forward-facing car seat with a harness.
When can my child move up to a booster seat?
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, a child should switch to a booster seat once they have outgrown their forward-facing car seat.
This usually occurs when your child outgrows the car seat’s weight limit — which is typically between 40 and 65 pounds — or height limit, which is generally between 40 and 57 inches tall.
Additionally, children should be at least 4 years old before making the switch.
When can my child stop using a booster seat?
In California, children must use an appropriate child safety seat until they turn 8 or reach a height of 4 feet 9 inches, according to the California Highway Patrol.
“Booster seats are designed to raise the child up to allow proper fit of the adult lap and shoulder belt,” the CHP said.
Can my child legally sit in front seat of the car?
Once a child turns 8, they can legally sit in the front passenger seat, according to the vehicle code.
However, both the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend that kids aged 8 to 12 continue riding in the back seat for safety reasons.
“All children younger than 13 years should be restrained in the rear seats of vehicles for optimal protection,” the American Academy of Pediatrics said.
This story was originally published May 20, 2025 at 5:00 AM with the headline "When can my child legally sit in the front seat? See CA rules for kids in cars."
