Q: I have heard you say that kids under age 13 are safer riding in the back seat. Is it illegal in Minnesota for children under age 13 to ride in the front seat of my vehicle? Does it matter if the shoulder belt is not used if there is not an airbag? A: Children under 13 years of age, properly buckled up in the back seat, are on average at least 30 percent safer as opposed to riding in the front seat, whether there is an airbag or not. As of this writing (May 2005) Minnesota does not have a law specifically requiring children under the age of 13 to ride in the back seat. There are, however, some Minnesota laws that can apply in certain situations that parents and other drivers should be aware of. One example I see frequently is the child (or even shorter stature adult) riding in a vehicle with the shoulder belt positioned behind their back or under their arm. This is a violation of Minnesota statute 169.686 that requires the seatbelt to be “properly fastened and adjusted”. A properly used lap-shoulder belt is much safer than the lap belt alone. Parents that allow their children to ride in motor vehicles with the shoulder belt behind their back or under their arm risk far more than a monetary fine! For children the age of four years, Minnesota statute 169.685 requires a federally approved child safety seat be used “according to manufacturers instructions”, which may specifically prohibit use in the front seat with an active airbag. In Minnesota, motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of paraplegia, quadriplegia, and death for ages 1-34. Many of these tragedies would be prevented if the occupants were properly restrained. Safe and legal are not the same in Minnesota. Which do the occupants of your vehicle deserve?
