Maryland passed a new law saying children must be in booster car seats until they are at least 8 years old. Eight might seem like a little old but if children are at least 4’9” or weigh at least 65 pounds, they do not have to be in a booster seat.

The reason for the age increase with booster seats has to do with height. Seat belts can cut across children’s necks or stomachs if they are not tall enough and this can mean a life-threatening injury to children under 4’9″.

Though most people can understand the safety benefits of this new law, the worst could be for children who are say 7 years old. The current law states that children must be in booster seats until they are 6 years old and reach 40 pounds, and children under 4 years old and 40 pounds should be in car seats. So children who are 6 or 7 years old and not currently in a booster seat would have to go back to being in one.

The new law goes into effect Monday, June 30, 2008 and breaking this law means a $48 fine.