Car Seat Laws in Tennessee
Tennessee was the first state in the US to pass a mandatory child passenger safety law, in 1978.
Rear-Facing
Until age 1 AND 20 lbs (minimum); AAP recommends RF until seat limit
Tennessee's law is a minimum — follow AAP recommendations
Forward-Facing
Age 1–3 or FF seat limit
Harnessed seat required
Booster Seat
Ages 4–9 or until 4'9"
Booster seat with lap and shoulder belt
Seat Belt Only
Age 9+ or 4'9"; all passengers required
Seat belt must fit properly across chest and hips — not across the neck
Fine for Violations
Up to $50 per violation
⚠️ Law vs. AAP Recommendations
State law sets the legal minimum. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends keeping children rear-facing as long as possible within the seat's weight and height limits — often beyond the legal minimum age. Always follow the seat manufacturer's guidelines and AAP recommendations for maximum safety.
📋 Legal Source
Tennessee Code §55-9-602