when can kids sit in the front seat

Ah, the eternal question of front-seat privileges for the tiny humans. In Australia, the law is crystal clear: children under 7 years old should not sit in the front seat if there is a rear seat available. Between 7 and 12 years old, it’s a bit more nuanced—kids must use an appropriate child restraint or booster seat, and sitting in the front is allowed only if the rear seats are all taken or don't exist.

And for those brave enough to defy gravity and common sense, remember the front passenger airbag can be a lethal missile to unrestrained little ones. So, the rule of thumb: kids under 7 stay in the back, properly buckled up, and always check the latest from your state’s road authority for the official lowdown.