How small of a child can ride in the front seat

[SMART]

Hi Everyone,

I recently received the following but don't have an answer, can you guys help out?

I live in southern California, and I love the smart car. My biggest question is can my 44lb, 5year old son ride with. He sits in a small booster chair.

[prm1177]

Legally, in California children can ride in the passenger seats of two seater cars (pickups, Miata, Smarts, etc) so long as they are in approved seats and the passenger airbag is disabled. I've had both my 4 year old goddaughter and 6 year old godson in my Smart.

Here's a summary of the rules:

When a Child May Ride in Front
Children under the age of six weighing less than 60 pounds may ride in the front seat of a vehicle, but only when:

There is no rear seat or the rear seats are either side-facing jump seats or rear-facing seats.
The child passenger restraint system cannot be installed properly in the rear seat.
All rear seats are already occupied by children under the age of 12 years.
A medical reason requires the child to ride in the front seat.
Some vehicles, usually those with no backseats, come with an airbag-off switch for this purpose.

When a Child May Not Ride in Front
However, a child may not ride in the front seat of an airbag-equipped vehicle if the child:

Is under one year of age.
Weighs less than 20 pounds.
Is riding in a rear-facing child passenger restraint system.

[JPaul]

Owner's manual, page 65...

[carverboater]

Everyone,

Can anyone confirm what the law is here in Illinois regarding a child riding in the front seat of a two seater? I just want to confirm, my son is 8 years old so this should not be a problem yet this is a hurdle my wife is putting up against the Smart Car.

Thanks,
Carverboater

[Stella503]

The passenger seat is squint for car seat attachments.

How does a small child ride in the front seat of a truck? When there's not an extended seat?
How do they ride in anything when there is no back seat?

Please make sure the car seat is fit properly and tightly adjusted!!

[pack smart]

The smartie is perfect to carry a small child. As a helpful tip, please take the booster to the nearest fire station and they are very well trained. They will be more than happy to show you the correct way. Many people do not realize how important this is for any vehicle nor that they will educate you about proper restaints.

[unicycle]

I picked up my Cheewawa in May '08, and bizarrely enough, I asked my 4yo to accompany me into NYC for the occasion. She fondly remembers the whole experience. She's the youngest kid I've transported. I moved the passenger seat back as far as possible in the event of airbag deployment.

[jediknight36]

Good thread but...

[pack smart]

carverboater has a good question which deserves a response whether an infant, toddler, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 years old. Unicylcle has good advice, and please also go to the local fire station for the best answer. They will see the side impact airbag also and will give you proper advice.

Thanks carverboater for always a healthy reminder.

[GetSmrt28277]

JPaul recommended referring to the manual and I will second that.

I used the manual the first time I used my granddaughter's carseat.

The air bags on the passenger side have a weight limit on the seat to set off the airbags. I believe it is 70 pounds.