Move over, “shotgun” enthusiasts – California’s about to cramp your style with a wild new bill that’s got parents and teens side-eyeing each other.

Imagine this: You’re a lanky 14-year-old dreaming of front seat freedom, but Assemblymember Lori Wilson is here to burst that bubble faster than you can say “but MOM!”. The proposed legislation would basically turn your ride into a back-seat prison for anyone under 13 who doesn’t meet specific height requirements.

Safety First, Cool Factor Second

The bill isn’t just another bureaucratic buzzkill. Traffic safety advocates are backing this move with some seriously sobering crash statistics. Turns out, smaller-framed kids are way more vulnerable in those prime front seat spots. Wilson’s basically saying, “Your epic shotgun calls are cute, but have you heard of survival?”

The Fine Print

Here’s the tea: If this passes, teens under 16 could be ticketed for front seat rebellion. We’re talking $20 for the first offense and $50 for repeat “criminals”. And it’s not just about age – there’s a whole five-step test to determine if you’re front seat worthy. Knees bending right? Seatbelt sitting perfectly? Congratulations, you might graduate to shotgun status.

The Controversy Brewing

Not everyone’s on board, though. Some legislators are worried about potential racial profiling, with concerns that this could give law enforcement another excuse to pull people over. Wilson herself acknowledges the potential issue, hoping it remains “rare”.

So Bay Area teens, start stretching those legs and practicing your back seat swagger – your front seat dreams might just got legislated away.