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Changes to TN Child Restraint Law

Tennessee's Child Restraint Law was improved effective July 1, 2004. Here are the facts you need to know for children of all ages:

Proper Child Safety Seat Use Chart Buckle Everyone. Children Age 12 and Under in Back!
	INFANTS	TODDLER	YOUNG CHILDREN
WEIGHT	Birth to 1 year under 20 lbs.	Over 1 year 20 lbs.–40 lbs.	Ages 4–8 over 40 lbs., under 4'9"
TYPE of SEAT	Infant-only or rear-facing convertible	Convertible/ forward-facing	Belt positioning booster seat
SEAT POSITION	Rear-facing only in back seat	Forward-facing in back seat	Forward-facing in back seat
STRAP/BELT POSITION	Harness straps should be at or below shoulder level	Harness straps should be at or above shoulders	Belt positioning booster seats must be used with both lap and shoulder belt Make sure the lap belt fits low and tight across the hips/upper thigh area and the shoulder belt fits snut crossing the shoulder and mid-chest to avoid abdominal injuries
OTHER CONSIDERATIONS	Read Owner's Manual	Read Owner's Manual	Read Owner's Manual

Height and weight measurements are estimates. Be sure to install the car seat according to your vehicle owner’s manual and manufacturer’s instructions. Properly installed child safety seats reduce the risk of death for young children by 50-70%!

For safety tips and special needs for infants and tips on positioning and security child safety seats, click the following link: Tennessee's Child Restraint Law Handout. Spanish.

To read the full text of the law, click on the following link: http://www.state.tn.us/safety/newCRD.htm