Ty Robinson | October 2, 2025 | Car Accidents

When Can a Child Sit in the Front Seat in Charleston, SC?

Most parents know young children must use a car seat, but fewer understand when a child can sit in the front seat in Charleston, SC. South Carolina law does not set a firm age requirement, but safety experts recommend keeping children in the back until at least age 13. This precaution is especially important since children seated in the front are at greater risk of serious injury in a car accident.

Knowing both the legal rules and safety guidelines can help parents avoid violations and keep kids safe.

South Carolina Child Passenger Safety Laws

South Carolina law sets out clear requirements for child safety restraints, which every parent in Charleston must follow:

  • Children under age two must ride in a rear-facing car seat unless they exceed the manufacturer’s limits for height or weight.
  • Children ages two through four who have outgrown rear-facing seats must use a forward-facing seat with a harness.
  • Children ages four through eight must ride in a booster seat until they are at least 57 inches tall.
  • Children aged eight or taller than 57 inches can use a regular seat belt.

These laws apply no matter where you are in the state. Failure to comply can result in fines, court costs, and points on your driver’s license.

By following these laws, you ensure your child is properly restrained, whether they are sitting in the front or back seat.

When Are Children Allowed in the Front Seat in Charleston, SC?

South Carolina does not set a specific legal age for when a child may sit in the front seat. However, national safety experts, including the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, recommend that children remain in the back seat until at least age 13.

These recommendations are based on crash data showing that front seats expose children to higher risks from airbags and frontal collisions. Even though a child over age eight may legally sit in the front seat if they meet height and seat belt requirements, Charleston parents should treat age 13 as the safest threshold.

Risks of Sitting in the Front Seat Too Early

Allowing a child to ride in the front seat before they are physically ready can expose them to serious risks, including:

  • Airbag injuries to the head, neck, or chest if the airbag deploys
  • Seat belt injuries caused by improper belt fit on smaller bodies
  • Greater impact from front-end collisions compared to rear passengers
  • A higher likelihood of long-term trauma if the child suffers severe injuries

These risks explain why many parents and safety experts view the back seat as the only safe choice until a child reaches their teenage years.

Local Enforcement in Charleston

Charleston follows South Carolina’s statewide child safety rules, but local law enforcement officers often interpret them with safety in mind. Police may issue citations if they believe a child is at risk, even if the parent technically complied with the statute. 

This is especially true in school zones, near playgrounds, and in high-traffic areas of the city where children are expected to be protected. For parents, this means the safest approach is to follow both the letter of the law and national safety guidelines.

Best Practices for Parents

If you are unsure whether your child is ready to ride in the front seat, consider the following best practices:

  • Keep your child in the back seat until at least age 13.
  • Ensure the seat belt fits snugly across the chest and lap.
  • Push the front seat as far back as possible to create distance from airbags.
  • Never place a rear-facing car seat in the front seat.
  • Regularly check manufacturer guidelines for your car seat or booster seat.

By following these precautions, you reduce the chances of injury and protect your child from unnecessary risk.

Sitting in the Front Seat in Charleston

Legally, children may move to the front once they meet South Carolina’s seat belt requirements, usually around age eight or a height of 57 inches. However, experts recommend waiting until a child is at least 13. Following both the law and national guidelines helps keep children safe, avoids legal disputes, and ensures you are meeting your responsibilities as a parent.

If you were injured in an accident in Charleston, South Carolina, and need legal help, contact our Charleston car accident lawyer at Ty Robinson Personal Injury & Car Accident Law Firm to schedule a free case review today.

Ty Robinson Personal Injury & Car Accident Law Firm
28 Broad St Suite 204-2
Charleston, SC 29401
(843) 278-2222