Can a nine year old sit in the front seat with air bags?

In the United States, federal law does not explicitly prohibit a nine year old from sitting in the front seat of a vehicle with airbags. However, state and local laws may have restrictions on children riding in the front seat. Additionally, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that all children under the age of 13 ride in the back seat of a vehicle, regardless of whether or not the car has airbags.

Airbags can be dangerous for children because they are designed to protect adults. When an airbag deploys, it can strike a child with great force, causing serious injury or even death. According to the AAP, the risk of airbag-related injury or death is highest for children who are under the age of 12, are small for their age, or are sitting in the front seat.

For these reasons, it is generally safest for children under the age of 13 to ride in the back seat of a vehicle, regardless of whether or not the car has airbags. If a child must sit in the front seat, they should be properly restrained in a child safety seat or booster seat that is appropriate for their age, weight, and height. The child should also be sitting as far back from the dashboard as possible.