Victor Waite | October 7, 2025 | Car Accidents Near Delray Beach, FL \ Personal Injury
Whether you are driving to school, heading to the beach, or running errands around Delray Beach, your child’s safety is always a top priority. One of the most common questions we hear is: When can a child sit in the front seat of a car in Florida?
With over 3,643 traffic accidents in Delray Beach in 2024, the answer is an important one. Here is what you need to know.
Florida’s Child Passenger Safety Laws
Florida has clear laws about how children must be restrained in vehicles. According to Florida Statute § 316.613, children 5 years old and under must ride in a crash-tested, federally approved child restraint system.
There are additional requirements, including:
- Children ages zero through three must be secured in a separate car seat or an integrated child safety seat.
- Children ages four through five must use a car seat, integrated child seat, or booster seat, depending on size and weight.
- All front-seat passengers, regardless of age, must wear a seat belt.
- All passengers under 18 years old must be properly restrained by either a child restraint or a seat belt.
Florida law allows children aged six and over to use a regular seatbelt. What often surprises parents is that Florida law does not set a minimum age for when a child can sit in the front seat.
Why the Back Seat Is Safer for Child Passengers
Although Florida law does not restrict children from riding in the front seat, safety experts strongly advise keeping kids in the back seat until they are at least 12 years old. This guidance is based on years of crash data and medical research.
Here is why the back seat is safer:
- Airbags deploy with force: Passenger airbags are designed for adults. They inflate in milliseconds with enough power to protect a grown person, but can cause serious head, neck, or chest injuries to children.
- The back seat provides a buffer: Children in the back are farther away from the impact zone in most crashes and have an extra layer of protection.
- Seat belt fit is critical: Children risk “seat belt syndrome” if a seatbelt does not fit properly, which may cause abdominal and spinal injuries. For a seatbelt to fit correctly, the lap portion should lie flat across the thighs, and the shoulder strap should cross the chest and collarbone, not the neck.
A 6- or 7-year-old may legally ride up front, but the safest place for them is generally still the back seat.
Tips for Parents to Keep Kids Safe in the Car
If you’re unsure whether your child is ready to ride in the front seat, consider the following best practices:
- Keep your child in the back seat until at least age 12.
- Ensure their booster seat or seat belt fits properly according to their height and weight.
- Move the front passenger seat as far back as possible if your child must ride up front.
- Never place a rear-facing car seat in the front seat.
- Lead by example—always wear your seat belt.
By following these precautions, parents can reduce the risk of serious injury and keep children safer on Delray Beach roads.
Contact a Car Accident Lawyer if You Need Help
While Florida law does not set a strict minimum age for riding in the front seat, medical experts recommend waiting until a child is at least 12 years old. The back seat remains the safest option for younger passengers, especially given the risks posed by airbags and improper seat belt fit.
By following Florida’s child passenger safety laws and best practices, parents can greatly reduce the risk of harm. If your child has been injured in a crash, contact a Delray Beach car accident lawyer with The Injury Law Firm, PA, today to discuss your legal options and protect your family’s rights.
If you’ve been injured in Delray Beach, and need legal help, contact our Delray Beach personal injury lawyers at The Injury Law Firm, PA to schedule a free consultation.
The Injury Law Firm, PA.
301 W. Atlantic Ave, Suite O-1, Delray Beach, FL 33444
(561) 800-4357
