The seatbelt fines are as follows:

• If the driver and front seat adult passenger are not buckled up, each receives a $25.00 fine.
• If the passenger is 15 years of age or younger, a $48.00 fine is imposed.
  
  Exceptions:
   
  • Medical - Those who have a written certificate from a Maryland licensed physician stating a medical reason that would prevent appropriate restraint due to a person's physical disability or other medical reason are exempt from the seatbelt law.
  • Children - If a Maryland licensed physician certifies in writing that use of a child safety seat by a particular child would be impractical due to the child's weight, physical unfitness, or other medical reason is exempt from the law.
  • Drivers and passengers of Class L (historical) motor vehicles.

Airbags:

Airbags are designed for frontal impact crashes, the kind of crashes that account for more than half of all passenger vehicle occupant deaths. Air bags are designed to limit head and chest injuries. But they only supplement safety belts, they do not replace them! Together, when used properly, they can save lives. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, airbags have reduced fatalities up to 30% in head-on crashes.

Airbag Safety Tips:

• Children 12 and under should ride buckled up in the rear seat.
• Infants in rear facing child safety seats should NEVER ride in the front seat of a vehicle with a passenger side air bag.
• Small children should ride in rear seat in a child safety seat approved for their age and size.
• Check your vehicle owner's manual and the instructions provided with your child safety seat for correct use information.
• Everyone should buckle up with both lap AND shoulder belts on every trip.
• Driver and front passenger seats should be moved as far back as practical, particularly for shorter statured people.
   

How can most people ride safely with air bags?

• Move your seat rearward, and tilt your seat back - as a driver, you should ride at least 10 inches (measured from the center of the steering wheel to your breastbone) from the air bag cover if you can do this while maintaining full control of your vehicle. If your steering wheel is adjustable, tilt it downward. Passengers also need to sit at least 10 inches back from the air bag. Wear your seat belt, and remove and excess slack in the belt.
• See the tips available from the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA).