13 Things Parents Used to Let Us Do in the Car
Many things that were once normal for kids in cars are no longer allowed or considered safe today.
- Sophia Zapanta
- 5 min read
Car safety and parenting habits have changed a lot over the years. Many things that parents used to allow during road trips or short drives would not be acceptable now. This list looks at 13 real examples of what kids used to do in the car, based on the standards and attitudes of the past.
1. Riding Without a Seatbelt
cottonbro studio on Pexels
Decades ago, seatbelt use was not strictly enforced, and many cars didn’t even have belts in every seat. Children often rode in the back seat or even the front seat without any restraints. Some kids even moved freely around the car while it was moving. Today, strict seatbelt laws require everyone, especially children, to be properly buckled in.
2. Sitting in the Front Seat at a Young Age
Kampus Production on Pexels
It was once common for younger children to sit in the front passenger seat, even during long drives. This was before airbags were standard and before safety guidelines warned against it. Many parents believed the front seat gave kids a better view and made it easier to interact. Today, safety experts recommend that kids stay in the back until at least age 12.
3. Lying Down Across the Back Seat
Matheus Bertelli on Pexels
Long car rides often meant kids lying down or napping across the whole back seat. Without seatbelt use, this was seen as a comfortable option rather than a danger. Parents often allowed it without concern. Modern safety rules make this practice both illegal and unsafe.
4. Riding in the Cargo Area
Vika Glitter on Pexels
In station wagons, vans, or SUVs, kids were sometimes allowed to sit or lie down in the cargo area. This part of the car had no seats or restraints but offered space to stretch out. It was especially common on long trips or when the car was full. Today, all passengers must ride in seats with proper restraints.
5. Climbing Over the Seats While Driving
Binti Malu on Pexels
During car rides, kids often moved from seat to seat, sometimes climbing into the front to ask questions or talk. This was seen as playful, not dangerous. Many parents did not stop it unless it became distracting. Now, any movement in a moving car without a seatbelt is considered unsafe and illegal in most places.
6. Hanging Out the Window
Tim Mossholder on Pexels
Some kids used to stick their arms, hands, or even their heads out of open car windows. It was viewed as fun and part of enjoying the ride. Parents rarely stopped them unless it seemed too risky. Today, this behavior is not allowed due to safety risks and traffic laws.
7. Eating Full Meals in the Back Seat
cottonbro studio on Pexels
On long trips, families sometimes let kids eat full meals, including fast food or homemade snacks, without supervision. There was less concern about choking hazards or messes. Parents usually focused on getting through the trip without too many stops. Today, many parents are more cautious about eating while in motion, especially for younger kids.
8. Playing Loud Music or Tapes
Kindel Media on Pexels
Kids were often allowed to bring their own cassette tapes or CDs and play them at high volume during car rides. There were few limits unless the noise bothered the driver. It was a way to keep kids entertained for long hours. Now, parents often use headphones or set volume limits to reduce distraction.
9. Controlling the Windows and Locks
cottonbro studio on Pexels
Manual window cranks and lock switches were within reach, and kids could use them freely. Parents rarely stopped children from rolling windows up and down or locking and unlocking the doors. At the time, it seemed harmless. Modern cars often have child safety locks and window controls to prevent accidents.
10. Sitting on a Parent’s Lap While Driving
Kampus Production on Pexels
Very young children were sometimes allowed to sit on a parent’s lap in the driver’s or passenger seat. It was seen as bonding time or a way to calm a fussy child. In some cases, parents even let kids pretend to steer in empty parking lots. This is now considered highly unsafe and illegal in all states.
11. Riding Without a Car Seat
Ron Lach on Pexels
Before car seat laws became strict, many children rode in regular seats even if they were too small. Booster seats and infant carriers were not widely used or required. Parents often held babies in their arms instead. Today, laws in most places require specific car seats based on age, height, and weight.
12. Letting Kids Sit by Open Doors in Parked Cars
RDNE Stock project on Pexels
When parked, especially at events or drive-ins, kids sometimes sat on the edge of open car doors or tailgates. It gave them more space and a view of what was happening outside. Parents supervised loosely or not at all. Now, this is avoided due to the risk of falling or accidents.
13. Letting Kids Roam During Road Trips
Zac Frith on Pexels
On long drives, some parents allowed kids to play on the floor of the car or between rows of seats. Games, books, and toys were used without much restraint. The idea was to make the ride more comfortable and pass the time. Today, these activities are discouraged because of safety standards that require kids to stay seated and buckled.