In Vermont, there is no specific age mentioned in the law regarding when a child can sit in the front seat of a car. However, experts recommend that children should be kept in the back seat for as long as they are using a car seat.
The primary reason for this recommendation is safety. The back seat is generally considered to be the safest place for children in a vehicle. It provides more protection in the event of a crash, as it is farther away from the impact zone. Additionally, airbags in the front seat can be dangerous for young children, as they are designed to protect adults and can cause serious injuries to smaller bodies.
While the law does not provide a specific age, many experts advise that children should remain in the back seat until they have outgrown their car seat. This typically occurs around the age of four or when the child reaches the height and weight limits specified by the car seat manufacturer.
Once a child has outgrown their car seat, they can transition to a booster seat. It is still recommended to keep them in the back seat at this stage. The American Academy of Pediatrics advises that children should remain in a booster seat until they are at least 4 feet 9 inches tall and between 8 and 12 years old.
When a child has reached the age of 13, it is generally considered safe for them to sit in the front seat. By this age, they have likely reached the height and weight requirements to safely use the seat belt and are better able to withstand the impact of an airbag if it deploys.
It is important to note that these recommendations are not set in stone and may vary depending on the individual child and their specific circumstances. It is always best to consult with a pediatrician or child passenger safety technician for personalized advice regarding car seat usage and when it is safe for a child to sit in the front seat.
In my personal experience, I followed these recommendations with my own children. I kept them in the back seat until they outgrew their car seats and then transitioned them to booster seats. Once they turned 13, they were allowed to sit in the front seat. It provided me with peace of mind knowing that I was doing everything I could to keep them safe on the road.