Ollie Otter’s safety message focuses on booster seats and early seat belt use. However, it’s just as important to know the best practices for rear-facing and forward-facing car seats. Below you’ll find trusted resources and Tennessee-specific laws, shared directly from the Tennessee Highway Safety Office and the Tennessee Occupant Protection Center. These recommendations reflect state law and national best practices to help keep every child safe on the road.
TN Law- Children age four (4) through age eight (8), and measuring less than four feet nine inches (4’9″) in height, must be secured in a belt-positioning booster seat system, meeting federal motor vehicle safety standards in the rear seat, if available, or according to the child safety restraint system or vehicle manufacturer’s instructions. (Note: If the child is not between age four (4) and age eight (8), but is less than four feet nine inches (4’9″) in height, he/she must still use a seat belt system meeting federal motor vehicle safety standards.)
Best Practice:
Many car seats have higher weight and height limits that allow children to remain in a harnessed car seat beyond 4 years of age (up to 65 pounds for many newer car seat models). All booster seats currently approved for use in the US require a minimum weight of 40 pounds. Most booster seats have a max weight of 100 pounds (meaning booster seats still fit up to 10-12 years of age).
Making sure your child stays in the right seat for their age, size, and stage is key to keeping them safe. Don’t rush the next step—the right seat at the right time saves lives.
TN Law- Children age nine (9) through age twelve (12), or any child through twelve (12) years of age, measuring four feet nine inches (4’9″) or more in height,Must be secured in a seat belt system. It is recommended that any such child be placed in the rear seat, if available. (Note: If the child is not between age nine (9) and age twelve (12), but is four feet nine inches (4’9″) or more in height, he/she must still use a seat belt system meeting federal motor vehicle safety standards.)
Children age thirteen (13) through age fifteen (15)
Must be secured by using a passenger restraint system, including safety belts, meeting federal motor vehicle safety standards. Provision is made for the transportation of children in medically prescribed modified child restraints. A copy of Doctor’s prescription is to be carried in the vehicle utilizing the modified child restraint at all times.
Children under age sixteen (16)
The driver of the car is responsible for making sure that children under age sixteen (16) are properly restrained and may be charged and fined $50.00 for violation of the law. If the child’s parent or legal guardian is present in the car but not driving, the parent or legal guardian is responsible for making sure that the child is properly transported and may be fined for non-compliance.
Best Practice:
Ages 9–12
Children ages 9 to 12 OR any child under 13 who is at least 4’9″ tall must wear a seat belt that meets federal safety standards. It’s recommended that they ride in the back seat, if available.
Ages 13–15
Children ages 13 to 15 must wear a seat belt or other proper restraint that meets federal safety standards.
If a child has a medical condition requiring a special seat, a doctor’s prescription is needed and must be kept in the vehicle.
Responsibility for Children Under 16
Someone under age 16 not buckled up?
→ The driver is legally responsible and may be fined $50.
→ If the child’s parent or legal guardian is in the car (but not driving), they are responsible and may be fined instead.
TN Law- Children under one (1) year of age, or any child, weighing twenty (20) pounds or less, must be secured in a child passenger restraint system in a rear-facing position, meeting federal motor vehicle safety standards, in a rear seat, if available, or according to the child safety restraint system or vehicle manufacturer’s instructions. (Note: If the child safety seat has a higher rear-facing weight rating, usually 30 or 35 pounds, it may be continued to be used in a rear-facing position so long as the child’s weight permits. Check the manufacturer’s instructions accompanying the child safety seat for more information.)
Best Practice:
If your car seat allows for rear-facing up to 20 pounds (like up to 50 pounds), it may continue to be used in a rear-facing position so long as the child’s weight and height permit. Check the manufacturer’s instructions accompanying the car seat for more information. Don’t rush the next step—the right seat at the right time saves lives.
TN Law- Children age one (1) through age three (3), and weighing more than twenty (20) pounds, must be secured in a child safety seat in a forward facing position in the rear seat, if available, or according to the child safety restraint system or vehicle manufacturer’s instructions.
Best Practice:
If your car seat has a higher rear-facing limit (like up 50 pounds), it may continue to be used rear-facing so long as the child’s weight and height permit.
To use forward-facing, check the manufacturer’s instructions accompanying the car seat for the specific min/max weight and height limits.
Newer forward-facing car seats have a minimum of 26ish pounds; many go up to 65 pounds. Always be sure to check the manufacturer’s instructions before graduating to the next stage!
There are simple ways you can get involved and help protect Tennessee’s kids on the road. Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, or advocate, you can take action today: Find a local fitting station to get hands-on help from a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician, or explore trusted resources from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for national guidelines and the Tennessee Highway Safety Office (THSO) for state-specific programs and support.
Download Ollie Otter coloring pages and let your creativity shine! With the help of a teacher or caregiver, you can email or mail your finished artwork to Ollie!
