Children Riding in car Laws

TYEster · 06-03-2009, 09:41 PM

Ok so Lori and I were having a debate a few days back about the legalities of children riding in cars after my mom commented how I have a lack of "children space" in my new car.

SHE SAID - It was illegal for children under 12 years old to ride in 2-seater cars with airbags.
HE SAID - WTF are you high?

Is this legit? Do they have to be of age to ride in the car? At the very least out of a car seat? Doesn't the fact that the car only comes with 2 seats override any "children in the frontseat" law? Not that it's absolutely imperative we get it straightened out, but I'd like to know so I can know who wins the argument.

Bluestreak · 06-03-2009, 10:13 PM

I figure, if you can turn off the passenger air bag, then go for it!

G-Rex · 06-03-2009, 10:26 PM

I'm not sure what the exact law is here, but I do know that my sister told me my nephew and niece couldn't ride in my Corvette until they were able to be out of their car seats and booster seats. I'm assuming the air bag had something to do with that, but I'm not positive.

Oh, and 2-seater cars FTW!

If nothing else, when there's more than 2 of us going to lunch, I don't have to drive.

TYEster · 06-03-2009, 11:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bluestreak

I figure, if you can turn off the passenger air bag, then go for it!

So the law is they can ride upfront only if there are no airbags?

This is why I hate law-makers and politicians. "We need to protect the people from themselves! Lets make airbags! Oh crap those kill kids! Lets outlaw children in cars!"

skiergirl · 06-03-2009, 11:29 PM

I'm still trying to figure out why he cares...since we have NO children...

I know car seats cannot be in the front and I know they recommend kids being a certain age/size due to the airbags is what I was pointing out. That's what his mom meant because as his Mother her goal in life is to have grandchildren. And the new car is not really a good car for the 'family'

Lucky for us Track days take current precedence over spawning...

TYEster · 06-04-2009, 08:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by skiergirl

I'm still trying to figure out why he cares...since we have NO children...

I know car seats cannot be in the front and I know they recommend kids being a certain age/size due to the airbags is what I was pointing out. That's what his mom meant because as his Mother her goal in life is to have grandchildren. And the new car is not really a good car for the 'family'

Lucky for us Track days take current precedence over spawning...

Because if that day comes, I don't want to part with my car. I thought that would be obvious, I know when becoming a parent you're life is no longer about you, but the child you're supposed to raise. And I just wanted to make sure I could keep it AND raise a child.

And you know I'm in no rush, I seem to like my toys more than kids at the moment.

Chris S · 06-05-2009, 02:15 AM

I take my son to child care in my Miata all the time. I turn the airbag off, and it has a LATCH system to properly secure the child seat. It's only about a mile from home, and I don't feel like I'm putting my son @ any extra risk.

Tye, I used to feel the same way as you, but was surprised how fatherhood changed me. I thought it would constrain me from doing what I enjoy as much, but instead I prefer to spend time w/ my kid, even to the detriment of my riding time.

azoomm · 06-03-2009, 11:42 PM

Happy to help.

HurricaneHeather · 06-03-2009, 11:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by azoomm

Happy to help.

06-03-2009, 09:41 PM	#1
TYEster With MORE TYEstosterone Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: TX Moto: '12 KX450F / 08 YZ250F #512 / 07 KX65 #1 Posts: 1,429	Children Riding in car Laws Ok so Lori and I were having a debate a few days back about the legalities of children riding in cars after my mom commented how I have a lack of "children space" in my new car. SHE SAID - It was illegal for children under 12 years old to ride in 2-seater cars with airbags. HE SAID - WTF are you high? Is this legit? Do they have to be of age to ride in the car? At the very least out of a car seat? Doesn't the fact that the car only comes with 2 seats override any "children in the frontseat" law? Not that it's absolutely imperative we get it straightened out, but I'd like to know so I can know who wins the argument.

06-03-2009, 10:13 PM	#2
Bluestreak What? Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Lancaster, PA Moto: Dirt Posts: 578	I figure, if you can turn off the passenger air bag, then go for it! __________________ Lean till you see sparks. If they are coming from your pegs you are doing good. If they are coming from you tank, you've just gained wisdom... Wisdom usually hurts.

06-03-2009, 10:26 PM	#3
G-Rex Where to next? Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: OK to the C Moto: TL1000R, Hayabusa, R1150RT Posts: 1,333	I'm not sure what the exact law is here, but I do know that my sister told me my nephew and niece couldn't ride in my Corvette until they were able to be out of their car seats and booster seats. I'm assuming the air bag had something to do with that, but I'm not positive. Oh, and 2-seater cars FTW! If nothing else, when there's more than 2 of us going to lunch, I don't have to drive. __________________

06-03-2009, 11:29 PM	#5
skiergirl Gixxer Girl Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Kyle, TX Moto: 05 GSXR 750 & 06 YZ250F Posts: 1,424	I'm still trying to figure out why he cares...since we have NO children... I know car seats cannot be in the front and I know they recommend kids being a certain age/size due to the airbags is what I was pointing out. That's what his mom meant because as his Mother her goal in life is to have grandchildren. And the new car is not really a good car for the 'family' Lucky for us Track days take current precedence over spawning...

06-05-2009, 02:15 AM	#7
Chris S Kneedragger Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Austin, TX Moto: '07 KTM Super Duke (for sale), '07 KTM 300 XC-W Posts: 171	I take my son to child care in my Miata all the time. I turn the airbag off, and it has a LATCH system to properly secure the child seat. It's only about a mile from home, and I don't feel like I'm putting my son @ any extra risk. Tye, I used to feel the same way as you, but was surprised how fatherhood changed me. I thought it would constrain me from doing what I enjoy as much, but instead I prefer to spend time w/ my kid, even to the detriment of my riding time.

06-03-2009, 11:42 PM	#8
azoomm moderator chick Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Hill Country TX Moto: Pasta Rockets Posts: 8,917	Happy to help.