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What Do Caregivers Need to Know about Maryland’s Child Passenger Safety Law?

Transportation Article 22-412.2 (Child Restraints)

Effective October 1, 2022, children:

  • Under 2 years old must ride rear-facing, unless the child has reached the maximum height or weight as determined by the seat.

  • Under 8 years old must ride in a car seat or booster seat, per the car seat instructions, unless the child is 4 feet, 9 inches or taller.

  • Between 8 and 16 years old must be secured in a car seat, booster seat, or vehicle seat belt.


Important Notes:

  • The car seat must be used and installed according to the car seat and vehicle manuals. 

  • The law applies to vehicles registered as: Class A (passenger), Class E (truck) or Class M (multipurpose) vehicles. 

  • The law applies to in-state and out-of-state vehicles.  

  • It is the driver’s responsibility to make sure all occupants under 16 are correctly buckled up.


If you need a car seat, contact KISS at 800-370-SEAT (7328), click here to apply for our Car Seat Assistance Program, a low-cost program for families who financially qualify. Program availability and car seat inventory vary. ​

Transportation Article 22-1121 (Children in Rear of Pick-up Trucks)

  • ​Children under the age of 16 may not ride in the bed of an unenclosed pick-up truck.​

Important Note: 

  • Some jurisdictions have local Ordinances that prohibit anyone from riding in the bed of an unenclosed pickup truck.  If you have questions, contact your County Police/Sheriff's Office or local Police Department. 


Does Maryland Law prohibit children from riding in the front seat?

Maryland's Child Passenger Safety Law does not prohibit children from riding in the front seat, except for placing a child in a rear-facing car seat in front of an active airbag. If the airbag cannot be turned off, placing a child in a rear-facing seat in the front is a violation of law and a danger to the child. 


Is it safe for my younger child to ride in the front seat? 

No, children under age 13 should ride in the back seat whenever possible. A child's fragile skeletal structure cannot withstand the impact of a deploying airbag, which can cause severe injuries. 

Because of this danger, vehicle and car seat manufacturers, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and other safety advocates strongly recommend that children under age 13 ride in the back seat. 

Are taxis exempt from Maryland's Child Passenger Safety Law?

Yes, taxis are exempt from the law. However, KISS recommends that you follow Maryland's Child Passenger Safety Law when your children are riding in these vehicles.


Are Ride Sharing services exempt from the law?

No. While taxi services are exempt, ride-share services like Uber and Lyft are not exempt from Maryland's Child Passenger Safety Law. Drivers must comply with these regulations.
If you plan to use a ride-share service with children under the age of 16, you must follow the law and provide your own car seat for the vehicle.


What are the Child Passenger Safety Laws for other states? 

Laws can vary from state to state, but you can view the Child Passenger Safety Laws in other states by clicking here.  


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