As a parent, we have several responsibilities.  We want to take good care of our children, feed them a healthy diet, make sure they do well in school, are happy, and of course, safe.  Their safety is our main priority not just around the house, but on the road as well.

You can increase your child’s safety just by learning your state’s car seat laws.  These are important for a number of reasons, they keep them safe on the road, allow you to avoid fines, and can keep you away from traffic violations.  So, take the step as a parent to learn the car seat laws for your state.

Maine Car Seat Laws:

• If your child weighs less than 40 lbs, they must remain in a child car seat.
• If they weigh 40-80 or less, they must be in a safety system that elevates the child so an adult safety belt fits properly.
• They must also wear an adult safety belt between the ages of 8-17, and until they reach at least 4’9″.
• Lastly, if your child is 11 years old or younger, and weighs less than 100 lbs, they must be seated in the back seat of the vehicle.
• If you don’t follow these laws, it may result in a fine of up to $50 for the first offense.

NOTES:

• Babies should remain in the rear-facing position until they’ve reached one year of age and 20 lbs.
• Used car seats should never be considered simply because you don’t know if it’s been in an accident, if it’s been recalled or if it’s expired.
• Once your child has outgrown their seat, you must upgrade them to the next level as soon as possible.

This is just a brief summary of Maine’s car seat laws.  Car seat laws may change over time, so it is important that you check these laws on occasion.