Car seat rules for a 2-seater?

[luvmypeanut]

DH just bought a convertible and though we would never let the kids ride in it, I feel better knowing the rules just in case an emergency comes up. Does anyone know or are car seat laws state-specific?

[Momof3Labs]

Car seat laws are state-specific but laws of physics are not. Does the air bag in the passenger seat turn off (or deactivate if it senses a small person in the seat)? If not, that really limits your options.

[kijip]

It is generally legal to install a seat in the front. It is an ok option, provided that the car either has no passenger airbag or that the airbag can be turned off easily. Most new 2 seat cars or trucks have an airbag switch. Under NO circumstances can you intall a RF seat in front of the airbag. You can put a FF child in front of an airbag if absolutely necessary, just push the seat all the way back from the airbag. Still, I would want to deactivate the airbag to transport a child.

[Papooses]

RF seat can never be installed in front an active airbag, so there must be a shut-off switch & it must be used.

The front seat poses a 40% higher risk of fatal injury for all passengers, not just children ... so keep toddlers/preschoolers RF until reaching the MAXIMUM limits of the convertible (30, 33 or 35# & top of head within 1" of carseat shell/frame edge) & keep big kids harnessed for as long as possible according to the carseat manual (more seats are coming out with higher harness slots & weight limits).