In Maine, what age must children be to sit in the front seat?

In Maine, the law stipulates that children must be at least 12 years old to sit in the front seat of a vehicle. This regulation is in place to enhance the safety of younger passengers, as front seats are equipped with airbags that can pose a significant risk to smaller or younger children in the event of an accident. By setting the minimum age at 12, the law helps ensure that children are more likely to be of a size and weight that can better withstand the potential hazards associated with front-seat positioning during a collision.

The other age options do not align with Maine's law regarding front-seat occupancy. For instance, allowing a child younger than 12 years to sit in the front seat could increase the risk of injury when deploying safety features like airbags. Therefore, the established age requirement reflects a careful balance between safety and developmental factors.