New Car Seat Law Removes Weight Exemption for Kids

The law that takes effect in Maryland on Oct. 1 still requires kids younger than 8 to be in a safety seat, unless they are 4 feet 9 inches or taller.

UPDATED (12:40 p.m.)—A new child safety seat law will go into effect Oct. 1 to remove the weight exemption for children who are more than 65 pounds, according to a Maryland State Police press release. The state law still requires that children use car seats up until the time they turn 8 years old, unless they are 4 feet 9 inches or taller. The law is a primary enforcement law, which means drivers can be detained and cited for violating the seat belt law. The fine is $50 for each child in the vehicle that is not properly restrained. The fine also applies to children ages 8 to 16, who are still required to wear a seat belt.  "A child safety seat is a device—including a child booster seat—which the manufacturer has certified as being made in …

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