# What Age Can Kids Sit in the Front Seat of a Car in Texas? | Attorney Brian White **Table of Contents***[*Expand*]* 1. What Are the Dangers of Children Riding in the Front Seat? 2. Texas Laws and Children in the Front Seat 3. What Happens If a Child Is Injured in the Front Seat? 4. Keep Your Child in the Back Seat As Long As Possible 5. Contact the Houston Personal Injury Lawyers at Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers For Help ![At What Age Can Kids Sit in the Front Seat of a Car in Texas?](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/At-What-Age-Can-Kids-Sit-in-the-Front-Seat-of-a-Car-in-Texas-300x200.jpg) Important safety rules that protect children in cars have evolved over the years in response to accident and safety data. The law reflects this evolution and typically changes to reflect any updates. At one time, there were simply no rules to address the issue of children riding in the front seat.  Today, however, experience, research, and testing have conclusively demonstrated that [children are safer](https://www.cdc.gov/child-passenger-safety/about/?CDC_AAref_Val=https://www.cdc.gov/transportationsafety/child_passenger_safety/index.html) in certain seats of a car than in others, with the front seat being particularly dangerous for young children. For this reason, the state of [Texas](https://www.texas.gov/) has implemented age and height requirements for children riding in the front seat.  ## What Are the Dangers of Children Riding in the Front Seat? Law enforcement, government, and safety agencies from around the country unanimously agree that small children belong in the backseat of the car. Data show that children riding in the front seat face the threat of injury or death from [deploying airbags](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/houston-tx/car-accident-lawyer/airbag-injury/).  These safety measures are effective when protecting adults. However, they are dangerous for smaller children due to the force they generate when deployed. Even with low-speed crashes, the risk of injury or death to a child from a front seat airbag is simply too high.  For a legal consultation call [(713) 500-5000](tel:+17135005000) ## Texas Laws and Children in the Front Seat Texas law specifically states that children 8 years old or younger must use an [approved and appropriate child seat](https://www.dps.texas.gov/sites/default/files/documents/director_staff/public_information/childpasssafetyfaqs.pdf). After a child turns 8, children are permitted under [Texas law](https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/) to ride in any adult passenger seat of a vehicle. Children who are 4’9” or taller may also ride in any of a vehicle’s passenger seats, even if they are under the age of 8.  In other words, size is an important metric when determining whether a child should be in the front seat. According to the [Texas Department of Public Safety](https://www.dps.texas.gov/), best practices dictate that regardless of age, children under 4’9” should remain in the back seat. ### Child in the Front Seat According to Texas law, a child under 4’9” or under the age of 8 must be in a car seat. The question is, “Can a car seat be utilized in the front seat of a car legally?” The answer is that it depends. If a child is in a rear-facing child seat, they may not sit in the front seat if airbags are installed and are activated.  However, if the airbags are deactivated, which some car manufacturers allow consumers to do with the flip of a switch, then it is permissible for a child in a rear-facing car seat to ride in the front.  ## What Happens If a Child Is Injured in the Front Seat? When a child riding in the front seat is injured in a [car accident](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/houston-tx/car-accident-lawyer/), the parents will likely be interested in recovering compensation. However, since [Texas is an at-fault state](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/faqs/is-texas-a-no-fault-state/), they would have to demonstrate that someone was at fault for the crash.  If someone else is at fault, they or their insurance company would likely look for a defense to the claim. For example, a strong defense against a [claim for compensation](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/faqs/how-much-compensation-can-i-get-after-a-car-accident-in-texas/) in this instance would be to demonstrate that the child should not have been in the front seat at all.  To be successful with this defense, it would have to be proven that the child should have been in a car seat and was not, that the car seat they were in should have been in the backseat, or that the airbags should have been turned off. [Click to contact](/contact-us/) us today ## Keep Your Child in the Back Seat As Long As Possible Keeping your child in the backseat as long as possible decreases the likelihood of serious injury in the event of a crash. Determining if and when your child should be in the front seat can be tricky. A Texas car accident lawyer can help address your questions and concerns. Complete a [Case Evaluation Form](/contact-us/) Now ## Contact the Houston Personal Injury Lawyers at Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers For Help Our offices Houston — Greenway/Upper Kirby 3120 Southwest Freeway, Suite 350 Houston, TX 77098 Open 24 hours daily Call [(713) 364-1466](tel:+17133641466) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%203120%20Southwest%20Freeway%2C%20Suite%20350%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077098) Houston — East Freeway 11811 East Freeway, Suite 630-06 Houston, TX 77029 Open 24 hours daily Call [(713) 609-1893](tel:+17136091893) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%2011811%20East%20Freeway%2C%20Suite%20630-06%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077029) Houston — South Loop 2600 South Loop West, Suite 293 Houston, TX 77054 Open 24 hours daily Call [(713) 281-4904](tel:+17132814904) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%202600%20South%20Loop%20West%2C%20Suite%20293%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077054) Houston — Katy Freeway 11511 Katy Fwy, Suite 515 Houston, TX 77079 Open 24 hours daily Call [(713) 909-7537](tel:+17139097537) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%2011511%20Katy%20Fwy%2C%20Suite%20515%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077079) Houston — Clear Lake 1300 Bay Area Blvd, Suite B268 Houston, TX 77058 By appointment only Call [(936) 508-2854](tel:+19365082854) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%201300%20Bay%20Area%20Blvd%2C%20Suite%20B268%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077058) The Woodlands 1776 Woodstead Ct, Ste. 203 The Woodlands, TX 77380 By appointment only Call [(281) 843-9777](tel:+12818439777) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%201776%20Woodstead%20Ct%2C%20Ste.%20203%2C%20The%20Woodlands%2C%20TX%2077380) Champion Forest (Cypress) 4606 FM 1960 Rd W, Ste. 444 Houston, TX 77069 By appointment only Call [(281) 843-9777](tel:+12818439777) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%204606%20FM%201960%20Rd%20W%2C%20Ste.%20444%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077069) --- ### About the Author Brian White ![About the Author Brian White](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/brian-white-houston-personal-injury-lawyer-300x300.jpg) [Brian White](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/about/our-attorneys/brian-white/) earned his J.D. from South Texas College of Law in Houston and is licensed to practice in Texas. He is a [Board-Certified](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/resources/brian-white-is-board-certified-in-personal-injury-trial-law/) Personal Injury Trial Lawyer. Dedicated to giving back, he actively supports local charities and [community initiatives](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/about/community-involvement/). [Client testimonials](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/about/testimonials/) highlight Brian’s compassion, open communication, and dedication to achieving the best outcomes for those he represents. [Avvo](https://www.avvo.com/attorneys/77098-tx-brian-white-74113.html) / [Justia](https://lawyers.justia.com/lawyer/brian-elliott-white-201630) / [Linkedin](https://www.linkedin.com/in/attorney-brian-white-378410166) Call or Text [(713) 500-5000](tel:+17135005000) or Complete a [Case Evaluation Form](/contact-us/) Personal Injury Blog Posts: [![Symptoms of a Fractured Sternum](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Symptoms-of-a-Fractured-Sternum-2-300x200.jpg)](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/symptoms-of-a-fractured-sternum/) [Symptoms of a Fractured Sternum](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/symptoms-of-a-fractured-sternum/) Whether from a car accident, a fall, or a violent attack on the chest, damage to your sternum can cause you pain and [![Types of Damages Available in Personal Injury Cases](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/themes/brian-white/assets/app/img/default-thumb.webp)](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/types-of-damages-available-in-personal-injury-cases/) [Types of Damages Available in Personal Injury Cases](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/types-of-damages-available-in-personal-injury-cases/) Most people file personal injury cases to recover compensation for damages caused by another party. For [![How Tired Truck Drivers Cause Accidents](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/themes/brian-white/assets/app/img/default-thumb.webp)](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/how-tired-truck-drivers-cause-accidents/) [How Tired Truck Drivers Cause Accidents](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/how-tired-truck-drivers-cause-accidents/) Operating a commercial truck requires skill and experience. A truck driver needs to be alert at all times [![Dealing With Grief: A Step-By-Step Guide for Emotional Healing After the Unexpected Death of a Loved One](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Dealing-With-Grief-A-Step-By-Step-Guide-for-Emotional-Healing-After-the-Unexpected-Death-of-a-Loved-One-300x200.jpg)](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/dealing-with-grief-a-step-by-step-guide-for-emotional-healing-after-the-unexpected-death-of-a-loved-one/) [Dealing With Grief: A Step-by-Step Guide for Emotional Healing After the Unexpected Death of a Loved One](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/dealing-with-grief-a-step-by-step-guide-for-emotional-healing-after-the-unexpected-death-of-a-loved-one/) When you experience loss, you will go through a process called grieving. At the end of the grieving process, you will --- Source: https://attorneybrianwhite.com/faqs/at-what-age-can-kids-sit-in-the-front-seat-of-a-car-in-texas/