Whether you’d rather go for a hike in the Smokies, catch a show at the Grand Ole Opry or spend a day at Dollywood, Tennessee has something for every member of the family. There’s plenty to explore with your kids, but before you plan your next adventure, take a moment to make sure you’re compliant with Tennessee car seat laws.
Overview of Tennessee Car Seat Laws
Tennessee takes child safety very seriously, and many people don’t realize that the Volunteer State was the first in the country to pass a child restraint law. Like many other states, Tennessee requires kids to ride in a rear-facing car seat, a forward-facing car seat and a booster seat before they may sit in a standard vehicle seat.
Tennessee Car Seat Requirements by Age and Size
Tennessee car seat laws include detailed requirements for each type of car seat:
Rear-Facing Requirements
Kids must be secured in rear-facing seats when at least one of the following applies:
- The child is less than one year old
- The child is less than 20 pounds
Once a child is one year old and weighs over 20 pounds, they may graduate to a forward-facing seat.
Forward-Facing Requirements
Kids who are between the ages of one and three and weigh at least 20 pounds must be secured in front-facing car seats. Once a child turns four, they may move to a booster seat.
Booster Seat Requirements
Children must stay in booster seat systems until they reach both of the following milestones:
- The age of nine
- A height of at least 4’9”
At this point, the child may ride in a standard passenger seat with a seat belt.
When Can a Child Sit in the Front Seat in Tennessee?
Tennessee’s car seat laws require kids in car seats to be secured in the back seat of the vehicle if one is available. Once a child is nine years old, they may sit in the front seat.
However, although it’s legal for a nine-year-old to sit in the front seat, it’s not advisable. Many experts suggest requiring kids to sit in the back seat until they turn 13.
Penalties for Violating Car Seat Laws in Tennessee
In Tennessee, you may be assessed a $50 fine for a child restraint violation. Although a violation is a misdemeanor offense, you can’t be arrested for this violation alone.
Need Legal Help With a Car Seat Violation?
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Frequently Asked Questions
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No. Breaking Tennessee car seat laws may result in a fine, but it won’t add points to your license.
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Tennessee clarifies that the child may stay in a rear-facing seat until they exceed the manufacturer’s height and/or weight requirements.
