children in cars

[mommy of 2]

when can a child sit in the front seat? How tall must the child be?

[Buenchico]

As from the Monday after next (18th September), children can travel in the front passenger seat of a car, using the adult seat belt, from their 12th birthday or from when they reach 135cm (approx 4' 5") in height (whichever comes first).

Prior to reaching the required age or height to use the adult seat belt, children will still be permitted to travel in the front passenger seat as long as they are using the correct type of child restraint. This is defined by the child's weight and not by their age or height. For details of the type of child restraint which should be used for a specific weight, see Section 3 here:
http://www.thinkroadsafety.gov.uk/campaigns/ch ildcarseats/childcarseats.htm

Chris

[bazmoore]

from birth!
in a correctly fitted child seat
baz

[Toureman]

If you cannot disable the airbags on the front passenger position in a car and you have a child seat there it could kill the child in an accident BAZ.