Wisehart Wright Trial Lawyers | September 4, 2025 | Car Accidents
Parents in Sandusky, Ohio, often wonder when it is safe and legal for their child to sit in the front seat of a car. This question is important because car accidents remain one of the leading causes of injury among children.
Ohio law provides guidance on child safety seats and restraints, but the specifics about when a child can move to the front seat are not always clear. Understanding these rules can help protect children, reduce the risk of injury, and ensure compliance with state regulations.
Ohio’s Child Passenger Safety Laws
Ohio law requires that all children under 8 years old must use a proper child safety seat or booster seat, unless they are at least 4 feet 9 inches tall. This law focuses on keeping children safely restrained in the back seat until they are large enough for adult seat belts to fit correctly. Children ages 8 through 15 must wear a seat belt regardless of where they sit in the vehicle.
While the law does not state a specific age when a child can sit in the front seat, it is strongly recommended by safety experts that children under the age of 13 remain in the back. The back seat offers greater protection in the event of a collision, especially from airbag deployment.
Why the Back Seat Is Safer
The back seat is the safest place for children because it is farther from the most common points of impact in a crash. While lifesaving for adults, front-seat airbags can cause serious harm to smaller passengers. Airbags deploy with great force and are designed for adult-sized bodies, which can put children at risk of head, neck, or chest injuries.
Studies have shown that children riding in the back seat have a significantly lower risk of injury or death compared to those in the front. This is why both the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recommend keeping children in the back until they are at least 13 years old.
Height, Weight, and Seat Belt Fit
Beyond age, parents should consider their child’s size and how well the seat belt fits. A seat belt is designed to rest across the upper thighs and chest, not the stomach or neck. If the belt rides up on the stomach or across the neck, the child is not ready for the front seat. Proper belt positioning is crucial to prevent injuries in the event of a crash.
Children shorter than 4 feet 9 inches often need a booster seat to ensure the seat belt fits correctly. Moving a child to the front seat before they can sit properly without a booster increases the risk of severe injuries.
Contact Our Sandusky Personal Injury Lawyers at Wisehart Wright Trial Lawyers for a Free Consultation
The answer to when a child can sit in the front seat in Sandusky, OH, depends on a mix of law, safety guidelines, and parental judgment. Legally, Ohio requires car seats or boosters until age 8 or until a child reaches 4 feet 9 inches. However, safety experts recommend keeping children in the back seat until age 13 for maximum protection.
Parents should always prioritize safety over convenience, especially when it comes to protecting their child in the event of an accident. By staying informed about Ohio’s laws, understanding the risks of airbags, and paying attention to proper seat belt fit, parents can make the best decisions for their children.
If the worst happens, families should know they have legal options to seek justice and financial recovery. Call our Sandusky personal injury lawyers at Wisehart Wright Trial Lawyers for a free consultation.
For more information, contact the Sandusky car accident law firm of Wisehart Wright Trial Lawyers to schedule a free initial consultation.
We have six convenient locations in Ohio: Sandusky, Mansfield, Port Clinton, Vermilion, Norwalk, and Huron.
Wisehart Wright Trial Lawyers – Sandusky
502 W Washington St,
Sandusky, OH 44870
(419) 625-7770
Wisehart Wright Trial Lawyers– Mansfield
6 W 3rd St Suite 200 B,
Mansfield, OH 44902
(419) 910-2605
Wisehart Wright Trial Lawyers – Port Clinton
132 Madison St,
Port Clinton, OH 43452
(419) 871-3995
Wisehart Wright Trial Lawyers – Vermilion
1513 State Rd,
Vermilion, OH 44089
(440) 967-6136
Wisehart Wright Trial Lawyers – Norwalk
13 Whittlesey Ave,
Norwalk, OH 44857
(419) 863-5922
Wisehart Wright Trial Lawyers – Huron
202 Cleveland Rd W unit 1
Huron, OH 44839
(419) 827-5884