What's the rules about front seats and children?

[BethAndHerBrood]

Does anybody know what the rules are about putting children in the front passenger seat in the car? Another mum told me today that there is a notice in her car saying not to put under 12's in the front seat because of the airbag.

Mumsnet will know!!

There are rules and regulations but it's certainly not illegal to put a child in the front seat. BUT apparently anyone under about 5'2" can be seriously injured by an airbag - even small adults should put the seat back as far as possible or risk eye injuries that can cause blindness.

I thought the new rules said that children have to go in the back if there is room. if there isn't then the oldest/tallest should go in the front

oh turns out i'm making it up lol

here

Anyone who fits car seats tells you not to put it in the front unless the air bag is off and even then to have the seat as far back as possible.
Apparently they are safer in the back anyway.

The air bags are very fierce they can break an adults ribs I think I read somewhere - so imagine what they could do to a small child

Don't think there is a law, but it's not recommended as the airbag can do them more injury than it would to a grown up (I think due to their height). Think it could even crush a baby but not 100% sure on the truth in that (heard it somewhere). I think they recommend putting the seat as far back as possible if you have to put a child in the front & can't turn the airbag off (but again I heard that so not sure if it's true or rumour).

Some cars have a feature which lets you turn the airbag off.

Airbags can kill adults if they go off in low speed crashes, so the damage they could do to a child just doesn't bear thinking about. However, RoSPA recommend that children always travel in the back, regardless of whether there is an airbag or not.