At What Age Can Kids Sit in the Front Seat of a Car in Georgia?

Ensuring child passenger safety is essential, especially since car accidents are one of the leading causes of injury for children. According to the CDC, more than 63,000 children aged 12 and under were injured in car crashes in 2020.

Child restraint systems are critical: they reduce the risk of fatal injury by up to 71% in infants and toddlers, and by 45% for children five and older. But a common question parents have is: When is it safe—or legal—for my child to sit in the front seat?

When Can Kids Sit In the Front Seat in Georgia?

Under Georgia law, children must be at least eight years old to legally sit in the front seat of a vehicle. However, safety experts and national guidelines strongly recommend that children remain in the back seat until age 13, as it provides the highest level of protection during a crash.

Additional requirements include:

• Children under 8 must be in an appropriate child passenger restraint system (e.g., car seat or booster) that suits their height and weight.
• Even if a child is old enough to sit in the front, a booster seat and proper seatbelt positioning are essential.
• Never place a rear-facing car seat in front of an active airbag.

Why the Front Seat is Dangerous for Kids Under 13

Front airbags deploy with significant force, and while that’s life-saving for adults, it can be fatal to a child. A young child’s smaller body and lighter weight make them more vulnerable to airbag-related injuries, especially to the head, neck, and chest.

Other risks include:

• Poor seatbelt fit (if the child is under 4’9” tall or 80 pounds)
• Higher chance of abdominal or spinal injuries in a crash
• Misalignment of seatbelt with the chest and hips

Proper use of rear-facing, forward-facing, or booster seats in the back helps absorb crash forces in a way that protects vulnerable areas of a child’s body.

Penalties for Violating Georgia’s Child Passenger Safety Laws

According to Georgia Code § 40-8-76.1, penalties for violating child seat laws include:

• First offense: Fine up to $50
• Subsequent offenses: Fine up to $100
• Driver’s license points may be added, which can increase insurance rates or even lead to suspension.

Resources for Georgia Parents and Caregivers

To make sure your child’s safety seat is properly installed, take advantage of:

• Free car seat inspections at child safety seat fitting stations across Georgia
• Guidance from a Certified Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST)
• Tools like NHTSA’s Car Seat Finder to identify the right car seat by age and weight

A study in 2020 found that about half of car seats were either not installed or used correctly. Proper installation is crucial to your child’s safety.

If Your Child Has Been Injured in a Georgia Car Accident

Even with all safety precautions, accidents can happen. If your child was injured in a crash, you may have the right to pursue compensation.

Contact the experienced attorneys at Kunnatha Lawson LLC in Georgia to schedule a free consultation. Our team is here to support you and your family during this difficult time.