Tennessee: Seat belts and child safety
Tennessee’s safety belt and child passenger protection laws, air bags, children in pickup beds, and never leaving children alone in a vehicle. Split into 3 shorter tests so you're not stuck in one long quiz.
Independent educational site · not affiliated with any government agency or DMV
Choose a part
Seat belts and child safety — Part 1
Questions in this part include: “Any passenger motor vehicle manufactured or assembled in which year or later must be equipped with safety belts?”
StartSeat belts and child safety — Part 2
Questions in this part include: “How should pregnant women wear the lap belt and the shoulder belt?”
StartSeat belts and child safety — Part 3
Questions in this part include: “What is the fine for a second or subsequent violation of the law against leaving a child unattended in a motor vehicle?”
StartAll 48 Seat belts and child safety questions with answers
Choose a part above to take a practice test, or study every question and answer here.
Show the questions and answersHide the questions
-
Any passenger motor vehicle manufactured or assembled in which year or later must be equipped with safety belts?
- 1959
- 1975
- 1985
- 1969
Show answer
Correct answer: 1969
A passenger vehicle made or assembled in 1969 or later must have safety belts in good usable condition for both the applicant and the examiner.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 22 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 22)
-
What may happen if you or your passengers are not wearing a safety belt or are not secured in a car seat or booster seat?
- Your vehicle may be impounded
- You may have to pay a fine
- You may have to retake the knowledge test
- Your registration may be cancelled
Show answer
Correct answer: You may have to pay a fine
The manual says not wearing a safety belt or not using a car seat or booster seat can lead to a fine.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 28 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 28)
-
What may Tennessee law enforcement officers do about the safety belt and child restraint laws?
- Only warn drivers unless another violation occurs
- Cite drivers only after a crash
- Stop and ticket drivers solely for disobeying them
- Cite drivers only on interstate highways
Show answer
Correct answer: Stop and ticket drivers solely for disobeying them
The manual says officers can stop and ticket drivers solely for disobeying the safety belt and Child Restraint Device laws.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 31 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 31)
-
Who must wear a safety belt any time the vehicle is in motion?
- Only the driver
- All drivers and all passengers in the front seat
- Only drivers and children in the back seat
- Only people riding on interstate highways
Show answer
Correct answer: All drivers and all passengers in the front seat
Safety belts are required for all drivers and all front seat passengers whenever the vehicle is moving.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 31 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 31)
-
A passenger is four through eight years old and shorter than four feet, nine inches. Where must this child ride?
- In a rear-facing car seat
- In the front seat with a regular belt
- In a regular safety belt alone
- In a child booster seat at all times
Show answer
Correct answer: In a child booster seat at all times
A child four through eight and shorter than four feet, nine inches must be in a child booster seat at all times.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 31 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 31)
-
Where must children in booster seats ride?
- In the front seat beside an adult passenger
- In the back seat, if the vehicle has a back seat
- In any seat the driver chooses
- In the cargo area of the vehicle
Show answer
Correct answer: In the back seat, if the vehicle has a back seat
Children in booster seats must be in the back seat if the vehicle has one.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 31 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 31)
-
A child under one year old, or any child weighing less than 20 pounds, must be in a car seat facing:
- Forward
- Either direction
- The rear of the car
- The side window
Show answer
Correct answer: The rear of the car
A child under one year or under 20 pounds must be in a rear-facing child passenger restraint system.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 31 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 31)
-
In what must children one through three years old who weigh more than 20 pounds ride?
- A child passenger restraint system facing forward
- A rear-facing car seat
- A booster seat that uses only the lap belt
- A regular safety belt
Show answer
Correct answer: A child passenger restraint system facing forward
Children one through three who weigh more than 20 pounds must be in a forward-facing child passenger restraint system.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 31 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 31)
-
What standards must all child passenger restraint systems (car seats and booster seats) meet?
- Local county safety codes
- Federal motor vehicle safety standards
- Standards set by the vehicle's dealer
- Insurance company standards
Show answer
Correct answer: Federal motor vehicle safety standards
All car seats and booster seats must meet federal motor vehicle safety standards and be used following the manufacturer's and vehicle's instructions.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 31 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 31)
-
Under the law, the driver is responsible for the protection of children up to what age?
- Twelve
- Fourteen
- Eighteen
- Sixteen
Show answer
Correct answer: Sixteen
The law makes the driver responsible for children's protection up to the age of sixteen.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 31 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 31)
-
If children under age 16 are not properly restrained, what fine may the driver be charged?
- $50.00
- $25.00
- $150.00
- $250.00
Show answer
Correct answer: $50.00
The driver may be charged and fined $50.00 when children under 16 are not properly restrained.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 31 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 31)
-
A child's parent or legal guardian is in the car but not driving. Who is responsible for making sure the child is properly transported?
- The driver only
- The owner of the vehicle
- The parent or legal guardian
- No one, because the driver is responsible
Show answer
Correct answer: The parent or legal guardian
When a parent or guardian is present, that person is responsible for the child's proper transport and may be fined for non-compliance.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 31 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 31)
-
What can a driver be charged with for not using a car seat or booster seat for a child under nine years old or shorter than four feet, nine inches?
- A Class B misdemeanor
- A Class A misdemeanor
- A Class C misdemeanor
- A Class D felony
Show answer
Correct answer: A Class C misdemeanor
The punishment is greater for this violation: a Class C misdemeanor, a required class on safely transporting children, and possible fees and fines.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 31 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 31)
-
What should be carried in a vehicle that uses a medically prescribed modified child restraint device?
- A copy of a doctor's prescription
- A copy of the vehicle title
- A letter from a Driver Service Center
- The receipt for the device
Show answer
Correct answer: A copy of a doctor's prescription
The manual says a copy of the doctor's prescription should be carried in the vehicle at all times.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 31 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 31)
-
How should the lap belt be worn?
- Across the abdomen, loose enough to move freely about the seat
- Across the ribs, above the pelvis and the hips
- Over the shoulder and under the arm
- Low over the pelvis, with the bottom edge touching the tops of the thighs
Show answer
Correct answer: Low over the pelvis, with the bottom edge touching the tops of the thighs
The lap belt belongs low over the pelvis with its bottom edge snug against the tops of the thighs.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 31 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 31)
-
How should the shoulder belt be worn?
- Under the arm and across the abdomen of the driver
- Over the shoulder and across the chest, not under the arm
- Across the neck and over the head restraint
- Loose enough to slide off the shoulder
Show answer
Correct answer: Over the shoulder and across the chest, not under the arm
The shoulder belt goes over the shoulder and across the chest, and must not be so loose that it slides off.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 31 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 31)
-
How should pregnant women wear the lap belt and the shoulder belt?
- The lap belt below the abdomen and the shoulder belt above the belly
- The lap belt across the abdomen and the shoulder belt under the arm
- Neither belt, because belts can harm the baby
- The lap belt over the belly and the shoulder belt across the neck
Show answer
Correct answer: The lap belt below the abdomen and the shoulder belt above the belly
Pregnant women wear the lap belt below the abdomen and the shoulder belt above the belly.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 31 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 31)
-
According to the manual, when is a child big enough to use the vehicle lap and shoulder belt?
- When the child can reach the dashboard and see clearly out of the front windshield
- When the child can buckle the belt unassisted
- When the child's back is against the seat back and the knees bend over the seat edge
- When the child weighs more than 20 pounds
Show answer
Correct answer: When the child's back is against the seat back and the knees bend over the seat edge
A child is big enough for the lap and shoulder belt when sitting with the back against the seat back and the knees bending over the seat's edge.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 33 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 33)
-
On a child, where should the lap belt lie?
- Across the stomach, held firmly
- On the upper thigh, low and snug around the hips
- Across the lower ribs and the stomach area
- Loosely across the lap
Show answer
Correct answer: On the upper thigh, low and snug around the hips
The lap belt should lie securely on the child's upper thigh, low and snug around the hips.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 33 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 33)
-
Where must you NEVER put the shoulder belt on a child?
- Snugly across the chest
- Resting between the neck and the shoulder
- Across the collarbone
- Behind the child's back or under the arms
Show answer
Correct answer: Behind the child's back or under the arms
The manual says never to put the shoulder belt behind the child's back or under the arms.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 33 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 33)
-
Which parts of the body should bear the pressure of the safety belts?
- The stomach and the neck
- The ribs and the abdomen
- The lower back and the shoulders
- The pelvic bone and the collarbone
Show answer
Correct answer: The pelvic bone and the collarbone
Under the "Belts to Bones" idea, the pelvic bone and collarbone should take the belt pressure.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 33 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 33)
-
A child's shoulder harness lies across the face or neck area. What should you do?
- Tuck the shoulder belt behind the child's back
- Go back to using a booster seat or a high back booster
- Move the child to the front seat
- Tighten the lap belt
Show answer
Correct answer: Go back to using a booster seat or a high back booster
If the shoulder harness crosses the face or neck, the child should go back to a booster seat or a high back booster.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 33 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 33)
-
How should air bags be used to prevent most tragedies involving air bags?
- Instead of safety belts
- Only for front seat passengers
- In combination with safety belts
- Only on interstates
Show answer
Correct answer: In combination with safety belts
Most air bag tragedies can be prevented when air bags are used together with safety belts.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 33 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 33)
-
Children ages 12 and under are safer in which part of a vehicle?
- The back seat
- The front seat
- The cargo area
- The middle of the front seat
Show answer
Correct answer: The back seat
Children 12 and under are safer in the back seat, since air bags pose a severe risk to them.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 33 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 33)
-
Where should a child safety seat be placed when a passenger side air bag is present?
- In the front seat, facing forward
- In a rear seat, if available
- In the front seat, with the seat moved forward
- In the front seat, with the child unbuckled
Show answer
Correct answer: In a rear seat, if available
The manual says it is not advisable to put a child safety seat in front of a passenger air bag; use a rear seat if available.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 33 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 33)
-
If a child must ride in the front seat of a pickup truck with a passenger side air bag, what should be done?
- Move the seat as far forward as possible and hold the child firmly
- The child should ride without a belt to move freely
- The child should be held by an adult
- Move the seat back as far as possible and buckle the child properly
Show answer
Correct answer: Move the seat back as far as possible and buckle the child properly
When a child must ride in front, the seat goes as far back as possible and the child is properly buckled.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 33 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 33)
-
If you have an adjustable steering wheel, how should you always try to keep it for air bag safety?
- Tilted down in a level or parallel position
- Tilted up so it points at your face
- Pushed as close to your chest as you can
- Raised as high as it will go
Show answer
Correct answer: Tilted down in a level or parallel position
For air bag safety, the adjustable steering wheel should be kept tilted down in a level or parallel position.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 33 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 33)
-
Any child under what age may not ride in the bed of a pickup truck in Tennessee on any road in Tennessee?
- 4
- 8
- 6
- 12
Show answer
Correct answer: 6
It is illegal in Tennessee to let any child under the age of 6 ride in the bed of a pickup truck.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 33 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 33)
-
It is against the law to allow a child between the ages of 6 and 12 to ride in the bed of a pickup truck on which roads?
- Private farm roads
- Any parking lot
- Any state or interstate highway
- Any road with a speed limit above 55
Show answer
Correct answer: Any state or interstate highway
The law bars children between 6 and 12 from riding in a pickup bed on any state or interstate highway.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 33 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 33)
-
Who may prohibit by ordinance children between the ages of 6 and 12 from riding in a pickup bed on city or county roads?
- Cities and counties
- Only the Department of Safety
- Only school boards
- Only the federal government
Show answer
Correct answer: Cities and counties
The manual says cities and counties may prohibit this by ordinance on their own roads and highways.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 33 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 33)
-
A child may ride in the bed of a vehicle that is part of a parade, procession or ceremonial event. What is the speed limit for the vehicle?
- It must not exceed 10 miles per hour
- It must not exceed 35 miles per hour
- It must not exceed 45 miles per hour
- It must not exceed 20 miles per hour
Show answer
Correct answer: It must not exceed 20 miles per hour
Under that exception the vehicle must not exceed twenty miles per hour.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 33 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 33)
-
Which is an exception to the law against children riding in the bed of a pickup truck?
- The child's parent is also in the bed
- The child is involved in agricultural activities
- The truck has a cover over the bed
- The child is wearing a seat belt in the bed
Show answer
Correct answer: The child is involved in agricultural activities
One of the two exceptions is a child being transported in the bed while involved in agricultural activities.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 33 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 33)
-
It is an offense to knowingly leave a child in a motor vehicle, in certain conditions, if the child is younger than what age?
- 7
- 5
- 10
- 13
Show answer
Correct answer: 7
The offense applies to leaving a child younger than 7 years of age in a motor vehicle without proper supervision.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 33 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 33)
-
A child younger than 7 in a motor vehicle on premises frequented by the public must be supervised by a person at least what age?
- 10
- 16
- 13
- 18
Show answer
Correct answer: 13
Leaving the child without supervision by a person at least 13 years old is an offense when the stated conditions exist.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 33 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 33)
-
Which condition makes it an offense to leave a child younger than 7 unsupervised in a motor vehicle on premises frequented by the public?
- The child is asleep in the back seat of the vehicle
- The keys are anywhere inside the passenger compartment
- The vehicle is parked in the shade of a building
- The windows of the vehicle are tinted
Show answer
Correct answer: The keys are anywhere inside the passenger compartment
The offense applies if conditions risk the child's safety, the engine is running, or the keys are anywhere in the passenger compartment.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 33 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 33)
-
Under Tennessee's law against leaving a child unattended in a motor vehicle, a first violation is a Class B misdemeanor with what fine?
- $50
- $100
- $500
- $200
Show answer
Correct answer: $200
The first offense is a Class B misdemeanor punishable only by a fine of two hundred dollars.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 33 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 33)
-
What is the fine for a second or subsequent violation of the law against leaving a child unattended in a motor vehicle?
- $200
- $750
- $1,000
- $500
Show answer
Correct answer: $500
A second or subsequent violation is a Class B misdemeanor punishable only by a fine of five hundred dollars.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 33 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 33)
-
When the abused child is six years of age or less, the penalty for knowingly inflicting injury on a child is what?
- A Class C misdemeanor
- A Class D felony
- A Class B misdemeanor
- A Class A misdemeanor only
Show answer
Correct answer: A Class D felony
If the abused child is six years of age or less, the penalty is a Class D felony.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 34 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 34)
-
A Class A misdemeanor carries a penalty of not greater than:
- 30 days
- 6 months
- 11 months, 29 days
- 2 years
Show answer
Correct answer: 11 months, 29 days
The manual says a Class A misdemeanor carries a penalty of not greater than 11 months, 29 days or a fine up to $2,500, or both.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 34 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 34)
-
A Class A felony can carry a penalty of not less than 15 and no more than how many years?
- 60 years
- 20 years
- 30 years
- 40 years
Show answer
Correct answer: 60 years
The manual says Class A Felonies can carry a penalty of not less than 15 and no more than 60 years.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 34 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 34)
-
What does the manual say about leaving children alone in a vehicle?
- It is fine for a few minutes on a mild day
- Never do it, not even to run a quick errand
- It is fine if the windows are open
- It is fine if the child is asleep
Show answer
Correct answer: Never do it, not even to run a quick errand
Children should never be left alone in a vehicle, not even for a quick errand.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 34 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 34)
-
What does the manual say to be sure of when unloading a vehicle?
- That sleeping babies stay in the vehicle until you come back later
- That only older children leave the vehicle
- That the engine is left running for the baby
- That all occupants leave the vehicle, without overlooking sleeping babies
Show answer
Correct answer: That all occupants leave the vehicle, without overlooking sleeping babies
Be sure all occupants leave the vehicle when unloading and don't overlook sleeping babies.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 34 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 34)
-
Because children can set a vehicle in motion, what should you always do?
- Lock your car and keep children away from keys and remote entry devices
- Leave the keys in the ignition so you can always find them quickly
- Keep the doors unlocked so children can get out
- Give children the remote entry device to hold
Show answer
Correct answer: Lock your car and keep children away from keys and remote entry devices
The manual says to always lock the car and keep children from keys and remote entry devices.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 34 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 34)
-
If a child gets locked inside a vehicle, what does the manual say to do?
- Wait for a parent or the owner to come back
- Leave a window open and wait
- Call 911 and get the child out as soon as possible
- Call a locksmith first and wait
Show answer
Correct answer: Call 911 and get the child out as soon as possible
If a child is locked inside, call 911 and get the child out as soon as possible.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 34 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 34)
-
If you see a child or animal unattended in a car, what does the manual say to do?
- Leave a note on the windshield
- Wait at least 30 minutes
- Be proactive and call 911
- Tell the nearest store clerk only
Show answer
Correct answer: Be proactive and call 911
The manual says to be proactive and call 911 if you see a child or animal unattended in a car.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 34 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 34)
-
What does the manual call the single most important thing you can do to save your life in a crash with a large truck?
- Wearing a safety belt
- Braking as hard as possible
- Turning the car sharply
- Sounding the horn
Show answer
Correct answer: Wearing a safety belt
A safety belt keeps a person from striking the steering wheel or windshield and from being ejected.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 108 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 108)
-
In Tennessee, how often must occupants of 15-passenger vans wear safety belts?
- Only on highways
- At all times
- Only the driver and front passenger
- Only when the van is full
Show answer
Correct answer: At all times
The manual says all occupants must wear safety belts at all times, and that this is the law in Tennessee.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 114 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 114)
-
When must all passengers in a recreational vehicle (RV) wear safety belts?
- Only when driving on highways
- Only when the driver asks them to
- Whenever the vehicle is moving
- Only when driving at night
Show answer
Correct answer: Whenever the vehicle is moving
Unbuckled passengers may be thrown around and seriously injured in an accident or sudden stop.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 115 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 115)