Tennessee Car Seat Laws

Keeping your child safe in your vehicle in the event of a crash is top of mind as a parent. However, installing and using a car seat isn’t as easy as you may think, and Tennessee car seat laws are strict.

You may be tempted to let your older children get away without using a car seat, but that could lead to serious injury if you don’t follow the law. A proven auto accident attorney in Nashville explains what you need to know to keep your children safe. Reach out to us at (615) 864-0343 for a free case evaluation.

Tennessee’s Child Passenger Restraint Law

Enforced by the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security, the Tennessee Child Passenger Restraint Law governs adults transporting any child under the age of 16 riding in a motor vehicle within the state. The requirements are:

• Children younger than 1 year weighing 20 pounds or less: Adults must place the child in a car seat or other child passenger restraint system in a rear seat and facing the rear of the vehicle. The system or seat must meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS 213).
• Children between 1 and 3 weighing more than 20 pounds: Adults must secure these children in a child safety seat facing forward in a rear seat. If the vehicle has no back seat, you can secure a child in a front seat, provided you disable the passenger airbag.
• Children between 4 and 8 under 4 feet 9 inches: These children must sit in a booster seat with a belt-positioning system meeting the federal standard in a rear seat facing forward. Children who are over 8 but still under the height requirement must still ride in a booster seat with the positioning system.
• Children 9 to 12 OR taller than 4 feet 9 inches: These children must use a standard safety belt and sit in the rear seat.
• Children 13 to 15: Children between these ages can sit in the front seat but must wear a safety belt at all times.

The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) notes that airbags activate within 1/20 of a second. As a result, even if your 14-year-old can legally ride in the front, it may still be safer for them in the back seat if they are still growing.

The Tennessee Highway Safety Office further notes that everyone under the age of 18 must wear a seat belt at all times when the vehicle is in forward motion, regardless of where they are sitting.

What Happens if You Violate the Child Passenger Restraint Law?

For violating the Child Passenger Restraint Law (T.C.A. Section 55-9-602), you could be charged with a Class C misdemeanor and pay a fine of $50 per instance. For repeated violations, you may face steeper penalties.

Installing and Maintaining Car Seats and Booster Seats

The National Highway Safety Administration (NHTSA) recommends using a new car seat or booster that meets federal standards. Buying a used seat or one that’s been handed down can be less safe for children, since it could have worn out or been damaged in a crash. The NHTSA recommends using a car or booster seat for no longer than 6 years.

To properly install a car seat or booster, refer to guidance from HealthyChildren.org or visit a child safety seat fitting station in Tennessee near you. Many police and fire stations will assist you in properly installing a safety seat, as well.

Current reporting shows that Tennessee is one of the most dangerous states for drivers. If you or your child is injured in a car accident, contact an experienced personal injury attorney at Selvidge Injury Law to discuss your case during a free consultation. We are ready to help you seek justice.