2005 Honda CR-V Owner's Manual - Page 51

Protecting Larger Children Some states also require children to use a booster seat until they reach a given age or weight (e.g., 6 years or 60 lbs). Be sure to check current laws in the state or states where you intend to drive. Booster seats can be high-back or low-back. Whichever style you select, make sure the booster seat meets federal safety standards (see page 39 ) and that you follow the booster seat maker's instructions. If a child who uses a booster seat must ride in front, move the vehicle seat as far back as possible and be sure the child is wearing the seat belt properly. A child may continue using a booster seat until the tops of their ears are even with the top of the vehicle's or booster's seat-back. A child of this height should be tall enough to use the lap/shoulder belt without a booster seat. When Can a Larger Child Sit in Front The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and Transport Canada recommend that all children age 12 and under be properly restrained in a back seat. If the passenger's front airbag inflates in a moderate to severe frontal collision, the airbag can cause serious injuries to a child who is unrestrained, improperly restrained, sitting too close to the airbag, or out of position. A side airbag also poses risks. If any part of a larger child's body is in the path of a deploying side airbag, the child could receive possibly serious injuries. Of course, children vary widely. And while age may be one indicator of when a child can safely ride in front, there are other important factors you should consider. Physical Size Physically, a child must be large enough for the lap/shoulder belt to properly fit (see pages 14 and 47 ). If the seat belt does not fit properly, with or without the child sitting on a booster seat, the child should not sit in front. Maturity To safely ride in front, a child must be able to follow the rules, including sitting properly, and wearing the seat belt properly throughout a ride. 48