Maryland Car Seat Laws: What You Need to Know
Maryland’s car seat laws are in place to ensure the safety of children while traveling in a vehicle. The regulations require all children under eight to use an appropriate child restraint system based on age, weight, and height. Booster seats are also included in the car seat rules as they are federally-approved child restraint systems.
As of October 1, 2022, Maryland’s Child Passenger Safety Law requires children under eight to ride in an appropriate child safety seat according to the vehicle and child restraint instructions unless the child is 4’9″ or taller. Children must ride rear-facing until at least age two. The law also requires that children under 13 should ride in the back seat, as it is the safest place in the car.
Parents and caregivers need to understand the specific requirements of Maryland’s car seat laws to ensure the safety of their children while traveling in a vehicle. Failure to comply with these laws can result in fines and penalties. The following article will provide a comprehensive guide to Maryland’s car seat laws, including information on the appropriate child restraint systems for different ages, weights, and heights and tips for properly installing and using car seats.
Overview of Maryland Car Seat Laws
Maryland’s car seat laws require all children under 8 to use an appropriate child restraint system based on age, weight, and height. Booster seats are also included in the car seat rules because they are federally-approved child restraint systems. Children under the age of 8, who are 4’9″ or taller, may use a seat belt instead of a child restraint system.
Maryland’s Child Passenger Safety Law does not prohibit children from riding in the front seat, except for placing a rear-facing car seat in the front seat with an active airbag. However, it is recommended that children under the age of 13 sit in the back seat for optimal safety.
The Maryland seatbelt law requires all occupants riding in the front to wear a seat belt regardless of age. Teens must continue using a seatbelt until at least 16 years old. Most children only fit properly in an adult seat belt once they pass the 5-step test, usually around 10-12 years old.
Booster seat use reduces the risk of serious injury by 45% for young children aged 4-8 compared to seat belt use alone. Following the manufacturer’s instructions is essential when installing a car or booster seat. If the seat is not installed correctly, it may not provide adequate protection in an accident.
In summary, Maryland car seat laws are in place to protect children while traveling in a vehicle. Following the guidelines and using the appropriate child restraint system is crucial based on the child’s age, weight, and height. Parents and caregivers should also ensure the car or booster seat is correctly installed to provide optimal safety.
Age and Weight Requirements
Infants
Maryland law requires infants to ride in a rear-facing car seat until they are at least two years old or until they reach the highest weight or height allowed by the car seat manufacturer. It is recommended that infants remain in rear-facing seats for as long as possible, even beyond the age of two.
Toddlers
Once a child outgrows their rear-facing car seat, they should transition to a forward-facing car seat with a harness. Maryland law requires children to ride in a forward-facing car seat until they are at least four years old or until they reach the highest weight or height allowed by the car seat manufacturer.
Children
After a child outgrows their forward-facing car seat, they should transition to a booster seat until they are at least eight years old or until they are 4’9″ tall. Booster seats are designed to elevate a child so the vehicle’s seat belt fits properly across their lap and chest.
Teens
Maryland law does not specify a car seat requirement for children over eight years old or 4’9″ tall. However, it is recommended that children continue to ride in a booster seat until the vehicle’s seat belt fits them properly without it. It is also recommended that children under 13 years old ride in the vehicle’s back seat for maximum safety.
It is important to note that these age and weight requirements are minimums and that parents should always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for their specific car seat. Parents should regularly check their child’s car seat for proper installation and fit to ensure maximum safety.
Types of Car Seats
Regarding car seats, different types are available for other age groups and sizes of children. In Maryland, it is mandatory for children under the age of eight and under 4’9″ in height to ride in a child safety seat. The following are the different types of car seats available:
Rear-Facing Seats
Rear-facing seats are suitable for infants and young children. They are designed to protect the child’s head, neck, and spine in the event of a crash. Maryland law requires infants to ride in rear-facing car seats until they are at least one year old and weigh at least 20 pounds. However, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children ride in rear-facing car seats until they are at least two years old or until they reach the highest weight or height allowed by the car seat manufacturer.
Forward-Facing Seats
Forward-facing seats are suitable for toddlers and young children. They are designed to protect the child’s head, neck, and spine in the event of a crash. Maryland law requires children to ride in forward-facing car seats until they are at least four and weigh 40 pounds. However, it is recommended that children ride in forward-facing car seats until they reach the highest weight or height allowed by the car seat manufacturer.
Booster Seats
Booster seats are suitable for older children who have outgrown their forward-facing car seats. They are designed to position the seat belt correctly over the child’s body, providing maximum protection during a crash. Maryland law requires children to ride in booster seats until they are at least eight years old or 4’9″ in height. However, it is recommended that children ride in booster seats until they are tall enough to properly fit in a seat belt, which is typically around 4’9″ tall.
Choosing the appropriate car seat for your child’s age, weight, and height is important to ensure maximum safety during a crash. Parents should also ensure that the car seat is installed correctly and that the child is securely fastened before driving.
Car Seat Installation
Installing a car seat can be daunting, but it is essential for the safety of children. Maryland law requires all children under eight years old to use an appropriate child restraint system based on age, weight, and height. Here are some tips to ensure proper car seat installation:
- Read the car seat manual and the vehicle owner’s manual before installation.
- Use the LATCH system or seat belt to secure the car seat. Use both at different times.
- Make sure the car seat is tightly secured. It should not move more than one inch in any direction.
- Position the car seat correctly. Rear-facing car seats should be installed at a 45-degree angle, and forward-facing car seats should be installed upright.
- Adjust the harness straps to fit snugly. The chest clip should be at the armpit level.
- Check the car seat’s angle periodically to ensure it is still at the correct angle.
- Register the car seat with the manufacturer to receive recall notifications.
If you are still determining if your car seat is installed correctly, you can visit a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician for assistance. The Maryland Kids In Safety Seats (KISS) program offers free car seat checks and installations by appointment.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Failure to comply with Maryland’s car seat laws can result in penalties and fines. The following are the penalties for non-compliance:
- For a first offense, the driver will receive a fine of up to $50.
- For a second offense, the driver will receive a fine of up to $100.
- The driver will receive a penalty of up to $150 for a third or subsequent offense.
Notably, these fines do not include court costs, which can add up to an additional $32.50.
In addition to fines, non-compliance can also result in points on the driver’s license. Suppose a driver accumulates three or more points. In that case, they may be required to attend a driver improvement program or have their license suspended.
If a driver is found to violate the car seat laws, they may be able to have the fine waived if they acquire a proper child seat after being ticketed.
Parents and caregivers should also be aware that non-compliance with car seat laws can have severe consequences in the event of an accident. It is important to ensure children are correctly secured in a car seat appropriate for their age, weight, and height.
Exceptions to the Law
Maryland car seat laws require children under the age of eight to ride in an appropriate child safety seat unless the child is 4’9″ or taller. However, parents should be aware of some exceptions to the law.
Children with Medical Conditions
Children with certain medical conditions may be exempt from the car seat requirement. If a child’s medical condition makes it dangerous or impractical to use a car seat, the child may be exempt from the law. However, the exemption must be documented by a licensed physician.
Taxis and Public Transportation
Maryland car seat laws do not apply to taxis or public transportation. However, it is still recommended that children under eight ride in an appropriate car seat or booster seat when possible.
Emergency Situations
In emergencies, such as when a child needs to be transported to a hospital, the car seat requirement may be waived. However, children should still ride in a car seat or booster seat whenever possible.
Out-of-State Visitors
If you visit Maryland from another state, you must comply with Maryland’s car seat laws while driving there. However, if your home state has different car seat laws, you may follow your home state’s laws instead.
It is important to note that these exceptions do not apply to the seat belt requirement for children over eight. All children between the ages of eight and 16 must use either a child booster seat or the regular seat belt, but one or the other is required. Parents should always prioritize the safety of their children and use car seats or booster seats whenever possible.
Safety Tips
Regarding car seat safety, there are a few important tips that parents and caregivers should keep in mind.
First and foremost, choosing the right car seat for your child’s age, weight, and height is crucial. The Maryland car seat laws require that all children under the age of 8 be properly secured in an appropriate child safety seat while riding in any motor vehicle unless they’re 4’9″ or taller. Additionally, children two years old or younger must be in rear-facing seats.
It’s also essential to install the car seat correctly. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), nearly half of all car seats are installed incorrectly. Make sure to carefully read the instruction manual and follow all of the manufacturer’s guidelines for installation. You can also find a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician to help you correctly install the car seat.
Another essential tip is always to buckle up yourself and your child. Even if you’re going on a short trip, using a seatbelt or a safety car seat is essential. Car crashes are still the leading cause of death for adults and children. Securing yourself and your children properly in a seat belt or safety car seat will reduce the risk of severe injury and fatal injury.
Lastly, it’s important to replace the car seat if it’s been involved in a crash, even if there’s no visible damage. The NHTSA recommends replacing the car seat after any moderate or severe crash. Also, car seats have expiration dates, so check the manufacturer’s guidelines and return the car seat if it expires.
By following these safety tips, parents and caregivers can help ensure their children are properly secured and safe while riding in a motor vehicle.
Resources for Parents
Parents in Maryland have various resources available to help them navigate the state’s car seat laws and ensure the safety of their children while on the road. Here are a few resources to help parents stay informed and up-to-date on the latest regulations and best practices.
Maryland Department of Health
The Maryland Department of Health provides a wealth of information on its website about child passenger safety, including the state’s current car seat laws. Parents can find detailed information on the types of car seats appropriate for different age groups and guidance on how to install and use car seats properly. The website also offers resources for finding a certified car seat technician to help ensure a child’s car seat is installed correctly.
Zero Death MD
Zero Death MD is a public health campaign to reduce traffic fatalities and injuries in Maryland. The campaign focuses on child passenger safety. It provides resources and information for parents on the importance of using car and booster seats to protect young passengers. The website includes a variety of resources, including videos, infographics, and fact sheets, to help parents understand the importance of using car seats and how to use them properly.
Maryland Safe Kids Coalition
The Maryland Safe Kids Coalition is a network of organizations and individuals dedicated to preventing childhood injuries and deaths. The coalition offers a variety of resources and programs to help parents and caregivers keep children safe, including car seat check events where certified technicians can inspect car seats for proper installation and use. The coalition’s website also provides information on the state’s car seat laws and guidelines for selecting and using car seats.
Local Police and Fire Departments
Local police and fire departments can be a valuable resource for parents unsure how to correctly install or use a car seat. Many departments offer car seat inspection and installation services and can guide the state’s car seat laws. Parents can contact their local department to find out if they provide these services or to schedule a car seat inspection appointment.
Overall, parents in Maryland have various resources available to help them ensure the safety of their children while on the road. By staying informed and following the state’s car seat laws and guidelines, parents can help protect their children from serious injury or death in the event of a car accident.
