When can my child ditch the booster seat and sit up front? What Washington state law says

Growing up comes with many important milestones. Childhood is full of firsts, like the first lost tooth, first sleepover and first time riding a bike without training wheels.

Many kids look forward to another milestone: riding in the front seat for the first time.

The first time a kid rides in the front passenger seat can be like a rite of passage. But when does state law say that first ride should be?

Here’s what we know.

When WA kids can ride up front

The Revised Code of Washington’s child restraint laws are very specific, outlining which booster seats should be used at different stages of childhood development.

Once a child is 4’9”, parents are encouraged to practice this five-step checking system to see if their child is ready to sit without a booster seat. This is often around ages 8 to 12. When practical to do so, kids must ride in the back seat through age 12.

Per these guidelines, generally kids should not start riding in the front seat until age 13.

The law states this should be done “when practical” to make exceptions for large families and certain vehicles. If the back seats in your vehicle have properly-restrained children, an older child can sit in the front seat.

The language also makes exceptions for trucks or other vehicles without a back seat. If your car allows you to turn off the passenger side airbag, you should do so when a child is in the front seat.

“At this time, their body has had time to mature; their cartilage has strengthened to become more bone-like, intercostal muscles on rib cage are strengthening, fat is developing around their internal organs for protection, and their body has come into proportion of their head size,” states the Washington Child Passenger Safety Program website regarding the age 13 rule.

Through age 16, the responsibility of maintaining proper restraints falls on the driver. Failure to comply can come with a fine of $145.