When Can Kids Sit in Front in Georgia?
Posted on - Friday, June 17, 2016 under Child Accidents, FAQA common question we get from people is how old a child has to be before he or she can ride in the front seat of a vehicle. It is a great question. We will lay out the key Georgia laws on child passenger safety.
Georgia Child Car Seat Laws
Under Georgia law, ALL children under the age of eight are required to be in an appropriate child passenger safety or booster seat. This law applies whether the vehicle is a car, passenger van, or pickup truck. However, it does not apply to taxi cabs or public transit.
There is a weight exception for children under 8 but weighing more than 40 pounds. Those children can be restrained by lap and shoulder belts without the use of a child car seat or booster seat.
If your child is one that is under age 8 and less than 40 pounds, the required child car seat or booster seat MUST be in the back seat of the moving vehicle. There is an exception when either (a) there is no back seats in the vehicle; or (2) when all of the back seats are already filled with other children.
We hope this helps answer the questions from adults on the timing and placement of child car seats and booster seats under Georgia law. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to call one of our attorneys at The Parian Law Firm.