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Tennessee's Child Restraint Law

Children under one (1) year of age, or any child, weighing twenty (20) pounds or less

Children under one (1) year of age, or any child, weighing twenty (20) pounds or less, must be secured in a harnessed child safety seat in a rear facing position, meeting federal motor vehicle safety standards, in a rear seat, if available, or according to the child safety seat 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 continue to be used rear-facing position so long as the child’s weight is within limit. Check the manufacturers instructions accompanying the child safety seat for more information.)

Children age one (1) through age three (3)

Children age one (1) through age three (3), and weighing more than twenty (20) pounds, must be secured in a harnessed child safety seat in a rear or forward facing child safety seat in the rear seat of the vehicle, if available, or according to the child safety seat or vehicle manufacturer’s instructions.

Children age four (4) through age eight (8)

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 seat 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.)

Children age nine (9) through age twelve (12)

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.)

More Information About Child Passenger Safety

For more information about Child Passenger Safety and Tennessee’s Child Restraint Laws visit the Tennessee Highway Safety Office’s website: tntrafficsafety.org/cps

Inspect your Car Seat at a Local Fitting Station

Navigating the world of car seats can be puzzling. That’s where fitting stations come in – dedicated locations across Tennessee staffed by nationally certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians. CPS Techs are here to guide you, step by step, through the process of properly installing and using your child’s car seat.

At Fitting Stations, you’ll gain hands-on knowledge from professionals who understand the intricacies of child passenger safety. They’ll show you how to buckle up your little one correctly every time, providing you with confidence and peace of mind. Best of all, this service is absolutely free. Don’t let uncertainty compromise your child’s safety – visit a Fitting Station near you and take the first step towards safer travel.

To find a fitting station near you visit: https://tntrafficsafety.org/child-passenger-safety-fitting-stations

Occupant Protection Center

The TN Occupant Protection Center launched in October of 2019 by TN Tech University iCube. The OP Center operates under a grant funded by the TN Highway Safety Office to promote and support education and awareness to decrease traffic safety injuries and deaths in motor vehicles.

TN Occupant Protection Center @ TN Tech University

Address: 1100 N. Peachtree Avenue, room 362

Cookeville, TN 38505

Phone: (931) 372-3318

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Putnam County Family YMCA

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Paris Holy Cross Catholic Preschool

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Important Links

Mail

iCUBE, Tennessee Tech

P.O. Box 5103

Cookeville, TN 38505

1100 N Peachtree Ave.

Volpe Library, Room 362

Cookeville, TN 38505

© 2021 Ollie Otter. The Ollie Otter Program teaches seat belt and booster seat education in elementary schools. Child passenger safety and injury prevention experts join Ollie to teach and share program materials statewide.

EIN: 20-4798272