If you need the actual Maryland car seat law — not a guess — this page has it: the restraint stages, the fine for a violation, whether kids can ride up front, and a link to the official statute, all verified against Montgomery County Fire & Rescue (official .gov FAQ citing Maryland law) publications.
Law data last verified against official state sources: October 4, 2026.
Quick answer
Maryland requires rear-facing under age 2 and a child restraint (including boosters) until at least age 8 unless the child reaches 4’9″ first. Maryland law has no front-seat age ban.
Maryland car seat requirements by age and size
| Stage | What Maryland law requires |
|---|---|
| Rear-facing | Child under 2 years of age must ride rear-facing (SB 176, effective October 1, 2022). |
| Forward-facing | Not specified on official source — law requires a federally approved, age/size-appropriate child restraint. |
| Booster seat | Child must ride in a child restraint system (including booster seats) until at least 8 years old, unless the child is 4’9″ tall before the 8th birthday. MDOT SHA’s announcement of the prior booster-law change references a 65-pound / 4’9″ threshold. |
| Seat belt only | Age 8 (or 4’9″ tall before the 8th birthday). |
Fines and penalties in Maryland
Fine: not published on the official state source. Note: .
Front seat rules in Maryland
Front-seat rule: not specified in state law. Note: the official county FAQ explicitly states Maryland law has no front-seat age ban (safety experts recommend back seat until teens / age 13 and under).
The official law
- Statute: not published on the official state source we reviewed.
- Official source: Montgomery County Fire & Rescue (official .gov FAQ citing Maryland law)
Research note: Maryland’s rear-facing-under-2 rule took effect 10/1/2022 (SB 176).
Maryland car seat law FAQs
What is the fine for a car seat violation in Maryland?
Fine: not published on the official state source. Note: .
When can my child stop using a booster seat in Maryland?
Child must ride in a child restraint system (including booster seats) until at least 8 years old, unless the child is 4’9″ tall before the 8th birthday. MDOT SHA’s announcement of the prior booster-law change references a 65-pound / 4’9″ threshold. Age 8 (or 4’9″ tall before the 8th birthday).
Does Maryland law require rear-facing car seats?
Child under 2 years of age must ride rear-facing (SB 176, effective October 1, 2022).
Can my child ride in the front seat in Maryland?
Front-seat rule: not specified in state law. Note: the official county FAQ explicitly states Maryland law has no front-seat age ban (safety experts recommend back seat until teens / age 13 and under).
Where can I read the official Maryland car seat law?
Statute: not published on the official state source we reviewed. Official source: Montgomery County Fire & Rescue (official .gov FAQ citing Maryland law).
Check another state
Driving across state lines? Requirements change at the border — use our interactive car seat law checker to look up any state by your child’s age, weight, and height.
Related state guides:
This page is for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Child passenger safety laws change — always verify current requirements with your state’s DMV, highway safety office, or the official statute linked below before making decisions.