Expert: Jeff Clark - 4/9/2009

Question
I just bought a 79 Corvette and waiting on it's delivery.  I have a 5 year old grandson and wonder what the law is for this car and my g'son riding with me.  Since it's a 2 seater he would have to sit in the front?  Is that safe and legal?

Answer
Is it legal? Child safety-seat laws are state-based, not federal, so it will depend on which state you live in.  I can tell you that most safety experts agree that ANY child under the age of 12 should ride in the back seat, where it's safest for them in case of a front-end collision and/or air-bag deployment. Check out this website:

http://www.health.state.ny.us/prevention/injury_prevention/booster_seat.htm

Since the Corvette has no back seat, and the car in question has no air bag, you really should check with your local police department for their advice.  But if I were you, and I had an accident with my 5 year-old grandson in the Corvette, I'd have to ask: how could I ever live with myself for taking such a chance?  Don't you think you should play it safe and wait till your grandson is old enough to safely ride in the car?