As of 2022, the state of Iowa does not have a front seat law.
Legally, children can ride in the front seat in Iowa at any age as long as they are properly restrained in a car seat or booster seat.
Front Seat Requirements in Iowa
- Front Seat Age Iowa: 0 years
- Front Seat Height Iowa: unspecified
- Front Seat Weight Iowa: unspecified
However, children under 4’9” are at more risk of injury from a regular seatbelt than those 4’9” and taller and studies have shown airbags are a risk to children under age 13 during collisions.
So, the state recommends keeping your child in the backseat until they reach 13 years of age.
- Age To Sit In Front Seat In Iowa Guideline: 13 years
General Front Seat Law FAQ
When can a child sit in the front seat?
Legally, the age (or height) at which a child can sit in the front seat varies from state to state.
Some states have no laws preventing children from sitting in the front seats of vehicles regardless of age (even while still in car seats).
When it comes to safety, however, a child should not sit in the front seat of a vehicle until they are at least tall enough to properly fit a standard seatbelt (4’9”).
But the longer you can keep them in the backseat the better.
The CDC recommends all children under the age of 13 sit in the backseat of vehicles.
What is the purpose of front seat laws?
Studies have shown children under the age of 13 are safest in the backseats of cars.
More specifically, the center backseat is the safest place in a vehicle for a child.
This is why some states have laws forbidding children from riding in the front seat of vehicles until they reach a specific height or age.
Why is the front seat unsafe for children?
There are two main reasons the front seat of a car is unsafe for children.
One of the reasons children fare better in the backseat of a vehicle during an accident is because head-on collisions are one of the deadliest types of car crash.
Though they make up only 2% of all car crashes, head-on collisions account for over 10% of car crash deaths. (Rollovers are the only other accident type with such a disproportionate fatality rate for those inside the vehicle.)
Since the back seat is furthest from the front of the vehicle, it is the safest place to be in a head-on collision.
The second reason children fare better in the backseat of a vehicle during an accident is because the safety devices installed in cars to protect passengers during a collision are designed for adults.
Since airbags are designed for adults and not children, the impact of an air bag when deployed can cause more harm to a child than the accident itself.
Research conducted by Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia found “children exposed to air bags during a crash are twice as likely to suffer a serious injury.”
The Safest Place For Kids Is The Backseat
While Iowa law says children may ride in the front seat at any age, we recommend following CDC guidelines and keeping your child in the backseat until age 13.
And, before that, follow Iowa’s laws regarding car seats and booster seats.
For more on Iowa’s car seat laws, see Iowa Car Seat Laws.
For more on Iowa’s booster seat laws, see Iowa Booster Seat Laws.