when can child sit in front seat

Ah, the age-old question of when your little terror graduates to the front seat. In Australia, the law is pretty clear: children under 7 years old must ride in the back seat, properly restrained in an approved child car seat. Once they hit 7, they can legally sit up front, but only if the vehicle doesn't have a back seat or all back seats are already occupied by younger kids.

Even then, it's best to keep them in the back—it's safer, less distracting, and keeps your sanity intact. If you do let them up front, make sure the airbag is either off or the seat is pushed back as far as possible to avoid turning junior into a lawn dart in a crash.

Check your local state road authority for the specific rules, as they can vary a bit between states. Remember, laws are the minimum—parental wisdom is the maximum.