Under Maryland law, what is required for all vehicle occupants?

In Maryland, the law mandates that all vehicle occupants must be restrained by a seat belt or, if applicable, a child safety seat. This requirement is in place to enhance safety for everyone in the vehicle, reducing the risk of injury or death in the event of a collision. Wearing seat belts has been shown to significantly decrease the severity of injuries sustained during accidents.

Proper use of seat belts and child safety seats is essential not just for the protection of adult drivers and passengers, but also for protecting younger passengers, who may require specific safety equipment based on their age and weight. This legal requirement serves to create a safer driving environment for all road users. While wearing helmets is necessary for certain types of activities, such as riding motorcycles or bicycles, it does not apply to standard vehicle occupants. Similarly, there are no restrictions mandating that all passengers must be seated in the rear or be over a certain age, making the seat belt law a critical element for vehicle safety in Maryland.