Seat Belts
Transp. § 22-412.3 — every seat, a $50 fine, and the back seat enforced only alongside another stop
A Maryland driver may not drive unless the driver and every occupant under 16 is restrained by a seat belt or child safety seat. A passenger 16 or older has to be belted in the front outboard seat and in the rear seat.
The back seat is a secondary offense. An officer may enforce the rear seat rule for passengers 16 and older only as a secondary action, when the driver has been detained for a suspected violation of something else.
The fine is up to $50, and it is not a moving violation for points. A physician's written certification that a belt is inappropriate because of a disability or medical reason exempts that person.
In a civil case, not wearing a belt is not evidence of negligence, does not limit anyone's liability or reduce recovery, and may not be mentioned at trial unless the case is about the belt itself.
Sources for this section (1)
- Md. Code, Transp. § 22-412.3 — Seat belts
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of October 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Maryland attorney.