When Should a Child Be Seated A Booster Seat and When Can They Sit in the Front Seat?

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In Monroe County, 4 children and 1 Adult were killed Saturday afternoon in crash where all 4 children were not wearing seat belts or in booster seats.  The ages were not given of the children but brings up the question, When should children be in a booster seat or be allowed in the front seat?


Wearing a seat beat while riding in a vehicle is common sense to most, but we still see children not secured with the appropriate car seats, not wearing seat belts, or not seated in the back seat.

We have put together a list of what Pennsylvania's laws are on child safety in vehicles and other recommendations on the safest way children should be seated in a vehicle.

In Pennsylvania, anyone under 18 years old in a vehicle,  must wear a seat belt at all times, both in the front and back seats.  Failure to do so is considered a primary offense and, as the driver, you could face the following fines:

• Passengers 4 to 8 years old:  $75 fine plus court fees
• Passenger 8 to 18 years old:  $10 fine plus court fees.

When should a child use a booster seat?

• Children under 4 years old:  Use a federally approved car seat, appropriate for the height and weight of your child.  Must be seated in the back seat.
• 4 to 8 years old:  Use a booster seat until your child reaches the height and weight maximum.

When can children seat in the front seat of a vehicle?

• All children 12 and under should ride properly buckled in the back seat.  Air bags can kill children riding in the front seat.

If you are a driver 18 or older and police pull you over for another violation, you will receive a second ticket if you or your front seat passengers aren't wearing seat belts.