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Every child dreams of the day they can finally sit in the front seat of the vehicle. It makes them feel more like an adult, and some kids ask over and over again if they can sit in the front seat yet. The rules vary by state, so make sure you are familiar with the rules in your state before allowing your child in the front seat.
Dive into all the details below to learn more about when kids can sit in the front seat in Georgia.
In Georgia, kids must remain in the back seat until they are 8 years old or at least 57 inches tall. Even when in the back seat, children should be safely secured in a car seat or booster seat. The type of car seat or booster they use should be appropriate for their age and height.
Even though children eight and up are legally allowed in the front seat, your child should remain in the back seat until they are 13 years old. The CDC, NHTSA, and other sources all provide this same recommendation. The back seat is the safest place for a child until they reach age 13.
Some parents wonder if there are any exceptions to the back seat rule for children under 8. The answer is yes. Children under eight may legally sit in the front seat if:
Additionally, the child must be AT LEAST 40 pounds and properly restrained in a car seat or booster seat.
Georgia is somewhat unique because police there can stop a vehicle if they observe a seat belt violation. In some states, the officer must witness another traffic violation first. However, seat belt violations alone are enough to cause traffic stops in Georgia.
Violation of the child safety belt laws can result in a fine of $50 and one point against your license, per improperly restrained child. This means that you could receive multiple citations if you have a child who is too young in the front seat, along with other improperly restrained children in the back.
Some people wonder why they cannot allow their children to sit in the front seat at whatever age they wish. The answer is for the child’s safety. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 4 out of every 10 children under the age of 6 who die or suffer serious injuries in car accidents were not properly restrained.
Following the laws and keeping your child in the back seat in the proper type of restraint can save them from catastrophic injuries.
If your child is hurt in a car accident, the time immediately afterward can seem like a whirlwind. Your mind is racing because of concern for your child, and you are likely worried about all the expenses you will be facing.
First, get immediate medical treatment for your child’s injuries. Go ahead and notify the police so that they can assess the scene and create an accident report.
If possible, take photos of the vehicles and other areas of the scene. Exchange information with the other driver, and get contact information from any witnesses who saw the accident.
Notify your insurance company of the accident, but avoid giving a statement to the other driver’s insurance company until you can talk to an experienced personal injury lawyer.
Finally, keep detailed records of your accident-related expenses. Your child may be entitled to recover both economic and non-economic damages, and having detailed records can assist with putting an accurate value on your claim.
Remember that a child may legally sit in the front seat in Georgia at 8 years old, but keeping them in the back seat until they reach 13 is the safest option.
For more information, please contact our Augusta personal injury lawyers at Nicholson Revell Personal Injury Attorneys to schedule a free consultation today.
We proudly serve Augusta, GA, and its surrounding areas:
Nicholson Revell Personal Injury Attorneys
4137 Columbia Rd, Augusta, GA 30907
(706) 722-8784