
Tennessee had 208,605 car crashes in 2018 and almost 1,000 of them were fatal.
But you don’t have to be part of those statistics. We’ve got some vital info below on how to keep you and your little ones safe:
Tennessee Infant/Toddler Car Seat Law
Tennessee law states that all infants and toddlers under the age of 12 months and who weigh 20 or fewer pounds, must be secured in a rear-facing or infant-only car seat.
Tennessee Forward-facing Car Seat Law
According to the Tennessee law, Children under the age of 3, who weigh more than 20 pounds shall be secured in a forward-facing car seat.
Child Booster Seat Laws in Tennessee
From 4 years of age until they are under 8 years and no taller than 4 feet 9 inch, children must be secured in a booster seat.
When Can My Child Sit in the Front Seat in Tennessee?
Tennessee law says that your child should sit in the back seat until the age of 8. Tennessee High Office safety recommends that your child should sit in the back seat until they are 13.
Leaving Child in Car Law in Tennessee
It is illegal to leave a child in a car when:
- The conditions can be dangerous for the child.
- There is no other child who is 12 or older.
- There are keys anywhere in the passenger compartment or engine running.
Is it Illegal to Smoke in a Car with a Child in Tennessee?
There are no laws in Tennessee regarding smoking with child passengers.
Taxi Car Seat Law in Tennessee
Taxis are exempt from child restraint laws in Tennessee but it’s their responsibility to let parents use a child restraint system if they want. (Source)
Tennessee Law Car Seat - Replacement After Accident
There are no guidelines in Tennessee law regarding seat replacement. You can always follow the seat manual for further instructions.
Places to Get Car Seat Help in Tennessee
Here are some resources that can help you with the car seat inspection and provide you further help.
- Car Seat Fitting Station Locations Across Tennessee
- CPS Technician Search: Find a CPS Technician
- NHTSA car seat inspection Center
- Shelby County Health Department Child Car Seat Program
- City of Murfreesboro Child Safety Seat Installation
- City of Morristown Car Seat Inspections
- Safe Kids West Tennessee
- Mt. Juliet Car Seat Installation
- City of Franklin Car Seat Inspection
- Hamilton County Safe Journey Program
- Sumner County Sheriff's Office's Kyle Mahaney
Good Car Seat Videos for Tennessean Parents
Franklin Fire Dept Car Seat Safety
Installing a Car Seat Properly
Car Seat save lives
Child Passenger Safety - 5 Step Test
The Inch Test
Rear-Facing Seat with a Seat Belt
Rear-Facing Convertible with Seat Belt
High-Back Booster Seat
Using a Backless Booster Seat
Child Passenger Safety - Harness Fit
Resources for More Info on Car Seat Safety in Tennessee
- Department of Safety and Homeland Security – Child Restraint Law
- Tennessee Highway Safety Office – Child Passenger Safety
- Kid Central Tennessee Car Seat Safety
- Choosing the Right Seat
- Booster Seat Installation Checklist
- National Child Passenger Safety Board
- Safe Travels: Car Seat Safety for Children & Infants
- American Automobile Association Car Seat Guide
- American Academy of Pediatrics Car Seat Recommendations
- NHTSA Car Seat Recommendations
- Indiana University School of Medicine Best Practice Recommendations
- Center for Disease Control and Prevention Child Passenger Safety
- Safe Kids Worldwide Ultimate car Seat guide
