Tennessee Child Safety Seat and Seat Belt Laws

Tennessee state law requires that infants under one year of age and weighing less than 20 pounds ride in a rear-facing car seat. If the car seat has a rear-facing weight limit over 20 pounds, the infant may remain rear-facing beyond one year and 20 pounds. Children under age 4 must ride in a car seat. Tennessee requires that all car seats be federally approved and used according to manufacturer's instructions.

Children ages 4 through 8 and less than 4'9" in height must use a booster seat. Children through age 12 who are greater than 4'9" are required to use a vehicle seatbelt, and the rear seat is recommended for these children. Tennessee requires that all children under age 16 who are not in a car seat or booster use a vehicle seat belt.