September 21st-27th,2025
Child Passenger Safety (CPS) Week is a national campaign focused on helping parents and caregivers make sure their children are riding safely—every time they’re in the car. That means using the right seat for your child and making sure it’s installed correctly. This year, we’re making it easier than ever with Tennessee-specific resources, events, and free help from certified technicians across the state.
Fitting stations are locations staffed by certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians who can help you ensure your car seat is properly installed. Whether you’re unsure about your current setup or just want peace of mind, a visit to a fitting station can make all the difference. These free services offer hands-on guidance tailored to your child’s age, size, and your specific vehicle.
Wondering What Seat Your Child Needs? We’ve Made It Easy
We know navigating car seat laws and options can be overwhelming — that’s why we’ve broken down Tennessee’s seat type laws in plain language just for you. Plus, we’ve gathered trusted resources to help you find fitting stations and get expert advice. We’re here to make keeping your child safe easier, one step at a time.
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.
Did you know?
Most rear-facing car seats in Tennessee aren’t installed quite right. 58% are installed incorrectly.
The top issues? Wrong recline angle and loose installation.
Even small mistakes can reduce protection in a crash—check your seat or visit a fitting station to be sure it’s secure and safe!
Get the latest on Child Passenger Safety Week and car seat information:
Find a Fitting Station: Locate a nearby certified child passenger safety technician to help ensure your child’s car seat fits correctly.
Learn More from NHTSA: Explore national guidelines and tips from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration on car seats and booster seats.
Learn More from THSO: Access Tennessee-specific child passenger safety resources and programs through the Tennessee Highway Safety Office.
Click any link to find important info to keep your little ones safe on the road!
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!
78% of forward-facing car seats in Tennessee are installed wrong.
The top mistakes? Turning kids forward too soon and skipping the top tether.
Using the seat the right way matters—check your setup and make sure your child is getting the full protection they need.
Get the latest on Child Passenger Safety Week and car seat information:
Find a Fitting Station: Locate a nearby certified child passenger safety technician to help ensure your child’s car seat fits correctly.
Learn More from NHTSA: Explore national guidelines and tips from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration on car seats and booster seats.
Learn More from THSO: Access Tennessee-specific child passenger safety resources and programs through the Tennessee Highway Safety Office.
Click any link to find important info to keep your little ones safe on the road!
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.
Did you know?
23% of children are placed in booster seats before they’re ready.
89% of booster-age kids transition to adult seat belts too early.
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.
Get the latest on Child Passenger Safety Week and car seat information:
Find a Fitting Station: Locate a nearby certified child passenger safety technician to help ensure your child’s car seat fits correctly.
Learn More from NHTSA: Explore national guidelines and tips from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration on car seats and booster seats.
Learn More from THSO: Access Tennessee-specific child passenger safety resources and programs through the Tennessee Highway Safety Office.
Click any link to find important info to keep your little ones safe on the road!
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.
In Plain Language:
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.
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.
Did you know?
Most kids switch to a seat belt before they’re truly ready.
9 out of 10 children in Tennessee move to an adult seat belt too early.
It might seem like a milestone—but rushing it puts them at risk. Stick with the booster until the seat belt fits just right!
Get the latest on Child Passenger Safety Week and car seat information:
Find a Fitting Station: Locate a nearby certified child passenger safety technician to help ensure your child’s car seat fits correctly.
Learn More from NHTSA: Explore national guidelines and tips from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration on car seats and booster seats.
Learn More from THSO: Access Tennessee-specific child passenger safety resources and programs through the Tennessee Highway Safety Office.
Click any link to find important info to keep your little ones safe on the road!
Every parent wants their child to be safe—but car seats can be confusing.
That’s why fitting stations exist.
Every parent wants their child to be safe—but car seats can be confusing.
That’s why fitting stations exist.
Every parent wants their child to be safe—but car seats can be confusing.
That’s why fitting stations exist.
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.
These tools make it easy to learn more and make a real difference.
Want to help keep kids safe on the road? Download our Child Passenger Safety Week Social Media Toolkit and share ready-to-go graphics, captions, and hashtags on your personal or organization’s social media accounts. Whether you post once or all week long, your voice can make a big difference. Every click, post, and conversation helps boost child passenger safety in our communities
Find a CPS Week event near you!
From events at local fitting stations to community resource fairs, CPS Week is full of opportunities to get involved.
View our list of events below!
Car Seat Checkpoint 917 E. Fifth Ave. *By Appointment Only* Call: 865-215-7081 or Email: carseatcheckpoint@knoxvilletn.gov
Community Car Seat Check hosted by Van Buren County Sheriff's Office Child Passenger Safety Technician Team
Saturday, November 15th 10:00-11:30am MST https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/9c4c80ee-8700-44f8-8259-281eb3ea8644@9ca1f24a-4baf-4c4d-8fcb-895995ec6e2e
Change can be hard! But, when it comes to changing to the NDCF, hard work can pay off. Learn why one team made the switch and the step-by-step process it […]
As the Galaxy turns at Britax Wednesday, November 19, 2025 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm ET (1 CEU) Register Now https://childrensnational.zoom.us/.../WN... This CEU opportunity for CPS Techs is brought to […]
Tuesday, November 25th 10:00-11:30am MST https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/55b12897-b83b-4a94-b02a-8ae4d5e21183@9ca1f24a-4baf-4c4d-8fcb-895995ec6e2e
Car Seat Checkpoint 917 E. Fifth Ave. *By Appointment Only* Call: 865-215-7081 or Email: carseatcheckpoint@knoxvilletn.gov
