What age must children be to legally sit in the front seat of a car in Iowa?

In Iowa, the law requires that children must be at least 13 years old to legally sit in the front seat of a car. This regulation is in place primarily for safety reasons, as the front seat is more dangerous in the event of a collision due to the proximity to the airbag, which can cause serious injury to younger children.

The age requirement is designed to ensure that children are developmentally mature enough to safely occupy the front seat and that they have an understanding of vehicle safety practices. Although older age limits might seem more intuitive to some, the specific regulation set at 13 seeks to balance safety with practicality.

Understanding this law helps drivers comply with safety regulations and protect the well-being of younger passengers in the vehicle.