Nashville police warn parents on car seat rules

Metro Nashville Police Department’s Traffic Division issued an alert on Nov. 12 regarding new federal standards for child car seats. The warning targets parents and caregivers in Davidson County who use infant and toddler restraints in their vehicles.

The new federal regulations apply to seats sold after Dec. 5, 2026. Under these standards, rear-facing use is mandatory for children under 2 years old who weigh 30 pounds or less. Police noted that new seats may list different height and weight guidance than older versions of the same model.

Tennessee state law currently requires children younger than 1 year old and weighing 20 pounds or less to ride rear-facing. The state also mandates that caregivers follow the specific instructions provided by the car seat manufacturer.

The Traffic Division recommends keeping children in rear-facing positions for as long as possible within the seat’s limits. Officials stated that this position helps support a child’s neck and spine during a collision.

Caregivers are advised to consult both the car seat manufacturer’s and the vehicle manufacturer’s instructions. This dual approach ensures the restraint system is compatible with the specific car and the child’s size.