Car seats save children's lives. And Maryland requires children of certain ages and weights to be properly secured in a child safety seat.
More on Driving Laws and Licenses in Maryland
Some key components of the law include:
- All children younger than 6 years of age, regardless of weight, must be secured in a federally approved child safety seat.
- All children who weight less than 40 pounds, regardless of age, must ride in a child safety seat.
- Approved car seats include infant seats, convertible seats, forward-facing seats, booster seats and other safety devices federally approved for use by children in motor vehicles. However, the child restraint must be right for the child's size, age and weight.
- The law applies to all vehicles on the road in Maryland, even if registered in another state.
- Car seats should not be installed in the front seat if the car is equipped with airbags.
Automobile seats and restraint systems are designed for adults. And although the law does not require it, children are safer riding in booster seats until they reach 80 pounds.
For more information, call Maryland Kids in Safety Seats at 1-800-370-SEAT.
"A vehicle can be stopped and the driver issued a citation for a violation of these laws. Currently the fines for failing to buckle up children and for allowing a child to ride in an unenclosed cargo truck bed are $48 and $50, respectively." - Maryland Department State Highway Administration
