What are the child restraint laws?

Tennessee's Child Restraint Law

Public Law 299, Changes Effective July 1, 2005

Bold text indicates Tennessee Law. Smaller text is recommendations of "best practice" by national safety advocates: American Academy of Pediatrics, NHTSA and National Safe Kids Campaign.

Section 1. Tennessee Code Annotated (TCA), Section 55-9-602, (a)(1) Any person transporting any child, under one (1) year of age, or any child weighing (20) pounds or less, . . . is responsible for using a child restraint in a rear-facing position, meeting federal motor vehicle safety standards, in the rear seat if available. . . National safety advocates recommend that infants continue rear facing as long as possible for the best protection in a crash. Some large convertible type car seats may allow children to ride rear-facing up to 35 pounds.

(2). . . any person transporting any child, one (1) through three (3) years of age weighing greater than 20 pounds. . . is responsible for the protection of a child and properly using a child passenger restraint system in a forward-facing position. . . in the rear seat if available or according to the child safety restraint system or vehicle manufacturer's instructions.

The same advocates recommend restraining your child in a "5-point" harness system until they are 40 pounds. Use upper tether straps where applicable. (|Refer to the car seat and vehicle owner's manual for more information.)

(3). . . any person transporting any child, four (4) through eight (8) years of age and measuring less than four (4') feet nine (9") inches in height, . . . is responsible for the protection of the child and properly using a belt-positioning booster seat system, meeting federal motor vehicle safety standards in the rear seat if available. . . The safety advocates recommend keeping children in booster seats until they are four (4') feet nine (9") inches or 57" tall. The child's height is the best predictor of proper seat belt fit.

(4) . . . any person transporting any child, nine (9) through twelve (12) years of age, measuring four (4') feet nine (9") inches or more in height, is responsible for properly using a seat belt system in the rear seat if available.

(5) . . . any person transporting any child, thirteen (13) through fifteen (15) years of age. . . is responsible for properly using a passenger restraint system, including safety belts, meeting federal motor vehicle safety standards.

It is now a requirement that everyone in a car be properly buckled up with appropriate car seats, booster seats or vehicle seat belts. Proper fit is achieved when: (a) the child can sit all the way back against the seat back with their knees naturally bent at the edge of the seat, (b) the shoulder belt comfortably crossing the shoulder between the neck and the arm, and (c) the lap belt sitting low on their hips, touching their thighs. This usually happens when the child's height is between 57"-60" tall, regardless of age or weight.

Have questions other traffic related issues? Please visit http://www.tntrafficsafety.org, a website to help answer common questions about Tennessee traffic issues, such as DUI, Child Passenger Safety and Seat Belts. Also, you may e-mail the Collierville Police Department's Traffic Unit.