Best CPS Laws

cmm7 · Oct 12, 2006

I'm looking through them on the about.com site and so far Tennessee is winning.

Tennessee state law requires that infants under one year of age and weighing less than 20 pounds ride in a rear-facing car seat. If the car seat has a rear-facing weight limit over 20 pounds, the infant may remain rear-facing beyond one year and 20 pounds. Children under age 4 must ride in a car seat. Tennessee requires that all car seats be federally approved and used according to manufacturer's instructions.
Children over age 4 but under age 8 and less than 5 feet in height must use a booster seat. Children over age 8 but less than 5 feet in height must use a booster seat until they reach 5 feet tall. Tennessee requires that children under age 16 who are not in a car seat or booster use a seat belt.

Anyone know of any better than that? I wish it said they HAD to RF to the maximum weight, but at least it says they may. Also, I really like how clear it is that it is eight AND five feet. Does anyone know how well it is enforced?

lovinwaves · Oct 12, 2006

I know here in Missouri they just changed our booster law. It is pretty strict now. I will have to look it up...

I asked this in another thread, but I don't think anyone really came up with a for certain answer. When the law says "Children under age 4 must ride in a car seat." Does that mean a Booster or Harnessed seat. Because in my case I have a friend who's nephew is only 22 months and in a Booster. His parents own 2 or 3 Marathons but for some reason think it is cool he is in a booster w/seatbelt. I would like to approach them saying it is against the law, but I'm really not sure. He is a big 22 mth old, but still????

Jeanum · Oct 13, 2006

Unfortunately it probably means carseat in the generic sense of the word rather than a specific type of seat, unless the law also has a provision for "proper use," and even then a larger 22 month old might meet the minimum size requirements for the particular booster seat being used. How sad the child is in a booster when the parents have Marathons to keep him safely harnessed, I just don't get it.

abacus2 · Oct 13, 2006

The TN law clearly lists carseat as a different thing from a booster. Now enforcement is probably a different issue as most people think boosters are just a type of carseat. TN law also requires children to ride in the backseat if available. I thought the booster law said age 9 or 4' 9". The laws need to be updated so that they say "carseat, not booster" for younger kids.

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