What Age can a Kid Legally sit in the Front Seat in Washington
People have been asking on the internet about what age their child can sit in the front seat in Washington. This usually comes from a child asking and wanting to be up in the front with their parent just like any other adult who may go along for a ride. So at what age in Washington can a kid sit in the front seat legally?
Being a parent is no easy task! The phrase, "it takes a village" is more of a fact than a phrase at this point. As your kids get older, they become more demanding, either wanting to be taken seriously as a big kid or teenager, some even demand to be treated as such. Meanwhile, we all wish we could go back to our youth and just take it all in one more time. But that's for another article.
As it turns out, there are actually two factors that come into the law about when kids can sit in the front seat and both laws need to be known so you can avoid getting a ticket for child endangerment. Yes, Washington state takes front seat riding that seriously. Most parents don't know that riding in the front seat of a car involves more than just the age of a child, it's also about their height.
How tall does a kid have to be to ride without a booster seat in Washington?
In order to sit in the front, a child has to be graduated out of a booster seat, depending on the situation. However, it is acceptable for some to use a booster seat while in front of the car, and that also depends on the situation.
If you're looking to have your kiddo out of the booster seat, they'll have to be over the height of 4'9 tall; anything shorter than that means a child must ride in a booster seat for their own safety.
How old does your kid have to be to sit in the front seat in Washington?
The Washington state law governing when kids can ride in the front seat is based on the responsibility and development of the child. At 13 years old, your kid is legally allowed to ride in the front seat as long as they also meet the height requirements of 4'9. Now, if your child is of age but doesn't meet height requirements, you may push the passenger seat as far back as it possibly goes and put the booster seat up front. However, that's only acceptable for two-seater vehicles, as booster seats usually are only authorized for the back of a car.
FOR SALE: Feast Yer Eyes on This Pirate Ship
LOOK: Famous Historic Homes in Every State