Children often ask to ride as front seat passengers.

Some states recommend that children sit in the back seat because it is generally safer (and even safer for most adults).

But some states go beyond merely recommending it. They require it by law.

So when may parents legally let their child ride in the front?

While the majority of states do not have a law regulating minors in the front seat, many state agencies have official recommendations, which usually parallel federal recommendations that advise children under 13 years old remaining in the rear seats. Most states also prohibit rear-facing car seats from being placed in the front seat with active airbags.

For states that do have laws, most provide an age threshold of 1-2 years, 8-9 years, or 12-13 years before children may legally ride in the front seat. Some also include weight or height requirements. Many of these states also provide exceptions for situations where all rear seats are already occupied by other younger children or where the vehicle does not have rear seats. When a child under the age threshold sits in front because of the exceptions, drivers are usually required to deactivate the front passenger airbag.

The most common penalty for violating the seating law is a fine ranging anywhere from $10 to $500. Fines often increase with subsequent violations. Some states also have additional penalties including drivers license points, community service, or even imprisonment.

Taking state law and recommendations into account, parents should use their best judgment to determine a safe seating arrangement for their children.