Delaware Defensive Driving Practice Test

What is a legal condition regarding child passengers under the age of 12?

1. They must always be in a car seat

2. They can sit in the front seat

3. They may only sit in the back seat

4. They can sit in any seat

The correct answer is: They can sit in the front seat

In Delaware, the laws regarding child passengers prioritize their safety, especially under the age of 12. The correct understanding is that children in this age group are legally required to sit in a safety seat or the back seat, as the back seat is the safest place for young passengers. By allowing children under 12 to sit in the front seat, it does not reflect best safety practices; this can expose them to unnecessary risks, especially since front seats are designed for adult occupants and can pose dangers in the event of an accident. The intent of these regulations is to reduce injury risk. Children are typically safer in the back seat away from airbags and the impact zones in the front of the vehicle. Therefore, it is essential that children remain in appropriate restraint systems in the back seat until they are old enough or large enough to properly use the vehicle's seat belts in the front seat safely.