Whats the law on children sitting in the front seat of a car?

[bouncy]

Hi, have not been around for a while, but wondered if someone could help me.

I have a car with only 2 doors and my son who is 4 sits on the front seat in his booster seat. He is very good, never messes or anything.

Recently my friend has informed me that I am breaking the law by letting him sit there. I have recently put my back out and it would be a pain to put him in the back, just wondered what the law was as I know that some baby seats can only be fitted the the front seat.

TIA

I think the law in the UK is pretty lax full stop with car safety compared to some countries. I think, at present, it is something like this (weel according to Mothercare catalogue anyway):

babies under 3 =
appropriate car restraint must be used in front seat;
in the back an appropriate car restraint must be used if available; if not then they must go in the back seat (driver's responsibility to sort this out)

3-11, and under 1.5m (5ft) =
front seat - appropriate car restraint must be used if available; if not adult seat belt must be worn
back seat - appropriate car restraint must be used if available; if not adult seat belt must be worn if available

Hope this helps

Hi Bouncy. You're not breaking the law at all, as the law states that a child sitting in the front seat must wear an appropriate child restraint (ie your booster seat), and if no booster seat is available he must wear an adult seatbelt. Have a look at this /linkwww.childcarseats.org.uk/law/index.htm#kids311{} for more info.
Perhaps your friend is thinking of the dangers of using a rear-facing baby seat in a front seat with an airbag fitted? Although I don't think this is illegal it is very, very dangerous.
Hope this helps, and hope your back's better soon.

One organisation (RoSPA) recommends only 5' and over in the front seat of a car. Much safer for shorter people in the back.

The 5 foot bit makes me smile. I am JUST 5 foot but drive, but according to the guidelines I would be better in the back Makes driving a bit hard though as my legs won't reach the pedals then

Me too!

Badhair is spot on with her post. Its fine as long as there is not a front seat passenger air bag.