Jill Kolodner | March 20, 2025 | Car Accidents
In 2022, an average of 429 children were injured every day in traffic accidents throughout the country. The ones most likely to suffer catastrophic injuries were those who didn’t have the proper restraints. To address this problem, all states have car and booster seat laws. Learn more about what Maryland requires for safely transporting children in vehicles.
Car and Booster Seat Laws in Maryland
To prevent child injuries in collisions, Maryland requires all children under the age of eight to ride while secured in a federally approved child safety seat. The only exception to this is if the child is 4 feet 9 inches or taller. The restraint system you choose must be appropriate for the child’s size and age.
Although Maryland’s laws don’t specifically require this, it’s always important for children who are younger than two to travel in rear-facing car seats. If possible, keep them in those types of seats until they no longer fit. You can then place them in a forward-facing car seat.
But what about booster seats? You can switch your child over to these when they outgrow the height and weight limits of their forward-facing seat. That usually occurs when they’re between 40 and 65 pounds.
In Maryland, there’s no minimum age for allowing a child to ride in the passenger seat. However, it is illegal to place a rear-facing car seat in that location. It’s always better to have your child travel in the back for as long as possible. Airbags can be dangerous for children younger than 12 because of their height.
Children between the ages of eight and 16 must use a seat belt, no matter where they’re sitting. Maryland law prohibits using one seat belt to restrain more than one child.
How Car and Booster Seats Help in Collisions
Often, parents see car and booster seats as hassles. Despite how costly and frustrating these devices can be, they can save your child’s life if you’re involved in a car accident.
Rear-facing car seats are excellent at reducing the strain on your child’s neck and spine during a crash. The right seat can reduce the chances of a child suffering spinal cord injuries or whiplash.
Car seats that use harnesses offer a significant amount of protection, too, because they prevent your child from moving during the crash.
Many car and booster seats use specific materials and shapes that absorb energy to reduce how much force your child feels. For example, some of these seats may have T-shields or overhead shields. These shields are padded and designed to swing over the seat.
One of the most important things to remember, however, is that the seats have to be installed properly to function as intended. Despite the many resources available, a significant number of parents still struggle with this. To aid in proper installation, some Maryland organizations offer free car seat inspections.
What To Do After a Car Accident With a Child in a Car Seat or Booster Seat
If you’ve been in a car accident with your child, it’s important to purchase a new car seat or booster. Child safety seats that have been in accidents can have unseen damage that could compromise their continued use.
When you go to file a claim for your damages, make sure to mention to your lawyer or insurer that a car seat or booster seat may have been compromised in the crash, as you may be able to fight for appropriate compensation to be able to purchase a new one.
Contact the Baltimore Car Accident Law Firm of WGK Personal Injury Lawyers Today For Help
For more information contact the Baltimore car accident law firm of WGK Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free initial consultation.
WGK Personal Injury Lawyers
14 W Madison St, Baltimore, MD 21201, United States
(410) 837-2144
WGK Personal Injury Lawyers – Dundalk Office
7329 Holabird Ave Suite 3, Dundalk, MD 21222
By appointment only
(410) 970-3080