At what age must a child be to legally occupy the front seat of a vehicle in Texas?

In Texas, the law requires that a child must be at least 13 years old to legally occupy the front seat of a vehicle. This regulation is rooted in safety concerns, as the front seat of a vehicle is typically equipped with airbags, which can pose a significant risk to younger, smaller passengers in the event of a crash. Children under this age are generally safer in the back seat, as it is less hazardous in terms of potential injury from airbag deployment and offers greater protection overall. Understanding this legal requirement helps ensure the safety of young passengers while promoting responsible driving habits.