Under Maryland law, you are required to properly secure any children you are driving in passenger vehicles (like standard cars), trucks, or multipurpose vehicles (like SUVs).
Who Does This Apply To?
These rules apply to every vehicle driven in Maryland, whether it is registered in-state or out-of-state.
Read the law: Md. Code, Transportation § 22–412.2(c)
What Does the Law Require?
Age 0-7:
Any child between 0 and 7 years old who is shorter than 4 feet 9 inches must be in a child safety seat. Note: If a child is under 8 years old but has already reached 4 feet 9 inches in height, they can use either a child safety seat or a standard seat belt.
Age 8-15: Any child under the age of 16 must be secured using either a child safety seat or a seat belt.
Read the law: Md. Code, Transportation § 22–412.2(e)
What is a "Child Safety Seat"?
This term covers any child restraint device, including booster seats, that the manufacturer certifies meets federal safety standards. The law requires you to install and use the seat exactly as the manufacturer and your vehicle's manual instructions.
Read the law: Md. Code, Transportation § 22–412.2(a)(2)(i) and Md. Code, Transportation § 22–412.2(b)
Best Practices for Infants and Toddlers
The Maryland Department of Health recommends keeping babies and young toddlers in rear-facing seats for as long as possible. A child should stay rear-facing until they hit the maximum weight or height limit set by the seat's manufacturer.
Read the law: Md. Code, Transportation § 22–412.2(d)(2)
Example: A typical infant carrier seat is usually good up to 22 pounds, though some newer models go up to 30–35 pounds. Once your child outgrows the infant carrier, switch to a rear-facing convertible seat, which can often be used rear-facing until the child weighs 30 to 45 pounds. Always check the labels or instruction manual on your specific seat for the exact weight and height limits.
For more information, see the Kids In Safety Seats (KISS) website.