Compared to some states, the child restraint laws in Tennessee are quite strict, but for good reason. Car seats and booster seats have been shown to dramatically reduce the risk of serious injury or death in a car accident.
The following is an overview of the child restraint laws in Tennessee. Visit the State of Tennessee website for updates and modifications.
Infants
- Infants under one year of age (and of any weight) must be restrained in a rear-facing car seat that meets federal motor vehicle safety standards. The seat should be used in the back seat of the vehicle, if possible.
- Infants and children of any age weighing less than 20 pounds should also be restrained in a rear-facing car seat and in the rear seat, if possible.
Small children
- Children ages 1, 2, and 3 who weigh more than 20 pounds must be restrained in a forward-facing car seat that meets federal motor vehicle safety standards. The seat should be used in the back seat of the vehicle, if possible.
Kids
- Children ages 4-8 who are under 4’9 “must be secured in a belt-positioning booster seat that meets federal motor vehicle safety standards. The seat should be used in the back seat of the vehicle, if possible.
- Children who are older than 8 but still under 4’9 ”should also use a booster seat with belt positioning.
- Children 9 to 12 years of age who are 4’9 “or older should be secured with the vehicle seat belt, in the back seat, if possible.
- Children under the age of 9 but who are over 4’9 ”must also wear the vehicle seat belt.
Teenagers
- Teenagers ages 13-15 must be buckled into the vehicle’s seat belt.
Additional Information
- The driver of a car is legally responsible for seeing that all children in the car are properly restrained. Also, a parent who is present in the car but is not driving is also legally responsible.
- Car seats adapted for medical conditions are allowed, but the doctor’s prescription for the car seat must be kept in the car at all times.
- It is estimated that up to 75% of car seats are installed incorrectly. You can inspect your car seats for free to make sure they are installed correctly by visiting a Child Safety Seat Inspection location.
