
Utah generally follows federal safety guidelines and best practices to determine when it’s safe for kids to ride in the front seat of a car. If you’re driving with children in Utah, it’s important to understand the law, safety recommendations, and potential penalties for non-compliance.
Utah’s Child Passenger Safety Laws
Utah law requires that children under the age of 8 must be secured in an appropriate car seat or booster seat unless they are at least 57 inches tall. This applies to all seating positions in the vehicle, including the front seat.
The law doesn’t specifically prohibit children from sitting in the front seat, but placement matters when it comes to airbags and crash safety. Airbags are designed to protect adults and can severely injure smaller children in the event of a collision.
The Utah Department of Public Safety and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend that children under 13 years old ride in the back seat, properly restrained, for maximum safety.
When Is It Safe for Kids To Sit in the Front Seat?
While it may be legal for some children to sit in the front seat in Utah, it’s not always safe. The risk of injury is much higher when children are exposed to airbag deployment during a crash. For this reason, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) urges parents to keep kids in the back seat until at least age 13.
Children may sit in the front seat once they meet the following criteria:
- They are at least 13 years old.
- They can sit upright with their back against the seat and knees bent over the edge.
- They properly use a seat belt without the strap cutting into the neck or riding across the stomach.
- The passenger airbag is enabled and functioning correctly.
If your child must ride in the front seat for any reason, move the seat as far back as possible and make sure they are wearing their seat belt correctly.
Penalties for Failing To Comply With Utah Car Seat Laws
Violating Utah’s child restraint laws can result in a citation and fine. A first offense carries a $45 fine, which may be waived if the driver can show proof of acquiring a proper car seat. More importantly, failing to properly restrain a child increases the likelihood of serious injury or death in the event of a crash.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), properly used car seats reduce the risk of injury by 71% for infants and 54% for toddlers.
Why the Back Seat Is Still the Safest Place
Numerous studies confirm that the back seat is the safest place for children in a car. This is particularly important in high-impact frontal crashes, where airbags are most likely to deploy. A child in the front seat is more exposed to the force of the airbag and impact, which can result in devastating head, neck, or chest injuries.
Even in vehicles with advanced airbag systems, the rear seat provides better protection and minimizes the risk of severe injury for younger passengers.
What Parents in Utah Should Remember
It’s tempting to let older kids ride up front once they’re out of booster seats, but safety experts advise against it until they are at least 13. If you’re unsure whether your child meets all safety recommendations, stick with the back seat.
Use these best practices to protect your child:
- Keep children under 13 in the back seat at all times
- Use a booster seat until the child fits properly in a seat belt
- Make sure car seats are installed correctly and inspected if needed
- Never allow a child to ride unrestrained, even on short trips
If you were involved in an accident and your child was injured, speak with a personal injury attorney to understand your legal rights and whether you may be entitled to compensation.
Contact the Personal Injury Lawyers at Parker & McConkie Today
For more information, please contact an experienced personal injury lawyer at Parker & McConkie Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free initial consultation today. We have 5 convenient locations in Utah, including Midvale, Salt Lake City, Ogden & Provo, UT. Clients can also visit our offices in Idaho Falls, ID & Rock Springs, WY.
We proudly serve Weber County, Utah County, Salt Lake County in Utah, Bonneville County in Idaho, Sweetwater County in Wyoming, and their surrounding areas:
Parker & McConkie Personal Injury Lawyers – Salt Lake City Office
466 S. 500 E., Suite 100,
Salt Lake City, UT 84102
(801) 851-1202
Hours: 24/7
Parker & McConkie Personal Injury Lawyers – Midvale Office
7090 Union Park Ave, #160,
Midvale, UT 84047
(801) 845-0440
Hours: 24/7
Parker & McConkie Personal Injury Lawyers – Ogden Office
2510 S Washington Blvd, Suite 160,
Ogden, UT 84401
(385) 402-8187
Hours: 24/7
Parker & McConkie Personal Injury Lawyers – Provo Office
37 E Center St, Suite 300,
Provo, UT 84606
(801) 876-4107
Hours: 24/7
Parker & McConkie Personal Injury Lawyers – Rock Springs Office
531 N Front St,
Rock Springs, WY 82901
(307) 205-7400
Hours: 24/7
Parker & McConkie Personal Injury Lawyers – Idaho Falls Office
2235 East 25th St. Suite #280,
Idaho Falls, ID 83404
(208) 418-0633
Hours: 24/7