What is Montgomery
County's law regarding car seat use?
Montgomery County does not have its own car seat law. We
follow Maryland law which currently states that children must ride in a child
restraint system until they are at least eight years old, unless they are 65
pounds or 4'9" before their eighth birthday. Maryland law states that the
child restraint has to be federally approved and used correctly. Booster seats
are considered child restraints, as well as infant seats, convertible seats and
forward-facing seats.
What do I do if I need
help getting a car seat?
If you live in Montgomery County and qualify, there is a
voucher program that will provide a car seat for your child for $25.00. Call 240-777-2467
for any questions regarding eligibility. Once you have a voucher for a car
seat, MCFRS will teach you how to install and use it properly at a scheduled
car seat appointment.
When can my child ride in
a car and just use the seat belts?
Most children are between 8 to 12 years old before they
can safely ride in just a seat belt alone, unless they are 4 feet 9 inches
tall. Click here to view PDF and find out if your child
properly fits in a seat belt. When a child can safely ride with just a lap and
shoulder belt depends on the vehicle. It is not uncommon for children to be
able to ride safely in one family vehicle with the seat belt and not in another
one.
When is my child allowed
to ride in the front seat of my car?
Maryland's law does not state a child can't ride in the
front seat (except for rear-facing infants in a car with active airbags-this is
against instructions, very dangerous and illegal), however, it is strongly
recommended by all safety experts that children ride in the back seat until
they are teenagers. Age 12 and under should ride in the back seat. Children are
40% less likely to be seriously injured or killed in the back seat than the
front seat.
When should I turn my
child forward-facing?
Children should ride rear facing as long as possible,
usually up to at least 18 to 24 months. Infant-only seats usually are rated for
use up to 22 pounds and convertible seats can be used rear facing up to 30 to
45 pounds. The longer a child rides rear facing the safer they are.
How soon can my child use
a booster seat?
Children should not ride in a booster seat until they are
over 35 to 40 pounds and behave well enough to sit still in a booster seat with
a lap-shoulder belt. Generally, children are at least 3 to 4 years old before
they should ride in a booster seat.
How does one get
certified to be a car seat technician?
In order to become a certified technician one must
successfully complete a NHTSA standardized certification class that lasts
approximately four days. Contact the program manager at 240-777-2467 for
information about upcoming classes in Montgomery County. Classes are held every
other month.
Will MCFRS come to my
school/church/Day Care Center and organize a car seat check?
MCFRS conducts car seat checks eighteen hours a week
among three different locations. Due to limited availability of certified
technicians at other times, it is not usually possible to come to additional
sites. Contact the program manager if you have specific requests.
Why is there a wait for a
car seat appointment?
It is not unusual for MCFRS to receive fifty or more
calls in a single day requesting a car seat appointment. With the available
technicians, we can only schedule approximately 500 appointments each month. We
make every effort to return your calls and meet your appointment needs as
promptly as possible. We schedule appointments three weekdays and one evening
each week, as well as three Saturdays a month.
What do I do if I need an
appointment right away and there are none available for a week or more?
All car seats come with instruction manuals, as well as
toll free numbers to reach the manufacturer. If you read and follow the
instructions you should be able to safely use the seat until the next appointment
is available. Call the MCFRS car seat hotline number (240-777-2222 to find
other locations in the area that check car seats.
Is there anything special
I need to know if I have a premature or smaller baby?
It is important to read the weight and height
requirements on your infant seat. Some infant seats are rated for use from 4 to
22 pounds and others require a child to be at least 5 pounds. If you are
anticipating a smaller newborn, get one of the car seats rated for use starting
at 4 pounds. Sometimes newborns have a medical need to lie flat. If this is the
case, your physician will suggest using a car bed. MCFRS has a supply of car
beds for loaner use when this is necessary.
Are there any websites
you suggest for additional child passenger safety information?
- www.carseat.org
- www.safekids.org
- www.saferidenews.com
- www.nhtsa.gov features latest research,
occupant protection laws in other states.
- http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/problems/recalls/childseat.cfm
has latest recall list.
- http://www.usa.safekids.org/tier2_rl.cfm?folder_id=1400
To find a car seat inspection station in another area.
Do you also install car
seats or just inspect them?
Our program wants to educate you about your car seat
during your appointment. The more you have done ahead of time to prepare, the
better your learning experience will be. We suggest that you try to read your
car seat owner's manual and attempt to install your car seat before your
appointment. Regardless of how your seat arrives, you will leave with a
properly installed car seat and will know how to properly secure a child in it.
Is there a charge for
this service?
There is not a charge for your appointment and we want to
keep it that way for everyone. The funding for this program is limited due to
reduced grant funding and minimal staff, so if you wish to help the program
purchase seats for families in need or inspection supplies, donations can be
made and are always appreciated. You will receive information about how to make
a donation in the packet of materials you receive at your appointment. All
donations go directly towards program costs.
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