In California, Is there a law that kids under the age 15 can't sit up front?

Question

My ex lets her sit up front all the time. I heard because of the air bags, could possibly hurt them!

Answer 1

call your police or highway patrol dept. they will tell you..they have to know..

Answer 2

I was 2 years old and sitting up front. I was in California for some time in the early 90's where I was very young, maybe 5 and I was sitting up fron with no problem.

Answer 3

It has to do with size not age. Deployed air bags can pop the heads right off the spinal columns of small-statured people (children persay) so allowing children under a certain age (13, I believe) isn't recommended.

Answer 4

Federal guidelines are actually stricter than California's new law, recommending all children under age 12 ride in the backseat. Safety expert Brett Nelson says older children are more apt to cooperate if their parents explain why it is necessary for them to sit in the back. "You tell them it's for their safety and you do it because you love them and you want them to be as safe and healthy as possible," he said.

A first violation of the back seat law will draw a $100 fine. Subsequent offenses will cost the driver $250 per instance.

There are two exceptions to the new mandate. Vehicles with no back seat, such as pickup trucks and sports cars, are exempt. The law also allows children to sit in front if all the back seats are occupied.

The back seat law is one of a variety of new regulations for California residents. Other new laws include:


A requirement that drivers turn on their vehicle's headlights during the daytime if conditions warrant have the windshield wipers on continuously.


A law requiring operators of motorized scooters to possess a valid California's driver's license or permit. The new legislation also specifies that the tiny vehicles can't be operated after dark or on freeways, and prohibits any modifications that increase noise levels.


Legislation allowing California residents and Internet service providers to recover up to $1,000 in damages from those who send "spam" e-mail messages that make false claims or fail to include a valid return address.


A law requiring cell phone companies to obtain a customer's consent before publishing a cell number in a directory.


A ban on the use of Social Security numbers for identification purposes by state government agencies and public colleges and universities.


Legislation restricting California insurance companies from excluding the partners of gay and lesbian employees when offering health insurance benefits.


A measure allow pharmacies to sell an individual up to 10 sterile syringes per year without a prescription, providing local municipalities permit it.


A lifting of a law that prevents those convicted of drug offenses from receiving food stamps.


A ban on the sale of powerful .50 caliber firearms. The new law would restrict ownership of the weapons to those who already possess them.


A requirement that children under the age of 14 obtain a doctor's note before using a commercial tanning booth.

Answer 5

Air bags are controlled by height and weight, not by age. On modern vehicles theres a key controlled "off switch" that lets people bypass the airbags if theres a safety issue

Answer 6

It is either 6 yrs/60 pounds or 8 yrs/80 pounds but they suggest anyine under 12 sitting in the back because of the airbags. I suggestasking him to disable front airbags if he is going to allow her to ride up front.

Answer 7

If the children are 12 and under, they're supposed to sit in the back. But after the age of 12 they're ok.

Answer 8

No, but if you're 12 or under you can be killed by the air bag.
That's why you SHOULD BE thirteen to sit up front.

Answer 9

It's based on the kid's height and weight, not their age.