Anyone who has children with them in the car often wonders when they can actually sit in the front of the car. Either because the offspring want it that way themselves or because you want to have a good view of the child while you are alone with them. The answer might surprise many.
Children often prefer to sit in the front of the car. But from what age or under what conditions is this even allowed? Stefan Ehl, motor vehicle expert at the expert organization KÜS (motor vehicle monitoring organization for freelance motor vehicle experts), says: Strictly speaking, there is no strict age limit. Children of all ages and sizes can sit in the front passenger seat if they meet the appropriate requirements. But if the child is younger than 12 years or shorter than 1.50 meters, a child seat is mandatory.
Even as babies, the offspring can ride in the passenger seat. Basically, the rear seat of the vehicle usually offers more security. But if you are traveling as a parent without a partner, it can be an advantage for the well-being of mother or father and child if both can see each other sitting in the front. In many cases, infant carriers are aligned against the direction of travel, which, however, requires certain precautions. A combination of belt and Isofix security ensures ideal protection against accidents.
In addition, the legislator stipulates that the passenger airbag must be deactivated. If it were to trigger in an accident, the child would be exposed to considerable risk of injury. Most modern cars with a passenger airbag therefore have a key switch on board that can be used to switch off the airbag function. In some cases, cars even offer automatic deactivation in combination with their own child seat solution.
If none of these two options are available, the legislator prohibits rear-facing child seats from being carried on the front passenger seat. Incidentally, anyone who does not place a child in the car in accordance with the regulations must expect fines of between 30 and 70 euros and, in some cases, a Flensburg point.
Forward-facing child seats are not affected by airbag restriction. However, if a passenger airbag is on board, the corresponding seat must be pushed back as far as possible so that the child does not sit too close to the airbag, which, despite its actually protective effect, also involves a certain risk of injury when it is triggered.
In principle, you should also read the instructions for use of your vehicle to find out what recommendations the respective car manufacturers give for taking children on the passenger side. In some cases, for example, side airbags that cannot be deactivated are on board, which when triggered can push a child seat out of a safe position, which is why manufacturers advise against mounting a child seat in the front.