BSGBoosterSeatGuide

State law page

Maine Booster Seat Laws & Requirements (2026)

Under 2 yrs must use a rear-facing child safety seat | Children 55 lbs. or less must ride in a rear or forward-facing child safety seat with a 5-point harness | Under 8 yrs, less than 80 lbs. and 4’ 9” must use a booster seat or child safety seat | Under 12 yrs should be in a back seat

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FieldMaine snapshot
Age requirementUnder 2 yrs must use a rear-facing child safety seat | Children 55 lbs. or less must ride in a rear or forward-facing child safety seat with a 5-point harness | Under 8 yrs, less than 80 lbs. and 4’ 9” must use a booster seat or child safety seat | Under 12 yrs should be in a back seat
Height requirementSee child-restraint rule; includes height language where listed.
Weight requirementSee child-restraint rule; includes weight language where listed.
Fine / penaltyVerify fine with state source; GHSA notes first-offense fines vary by state.
Last checkedGHSA reviewed by SHSOs June 2025; extracted 2026-07-23
Verification levelIndex source; official state verification pending
Child restraint requiredUnder 2 yrs must use a rear-facing child safety seat | Children 55 lbs. or less must ride in a rear or forward-facing child safety seat with a 5-point harness | Under 8 yrs, less than 80 lbs. and 4’ 9” must use a booster seat or child safety seat | Under 12 yrs should be in a back seat
Adult safety belt permissibleSeat belt required for all passengers over 8 years old, 57” and 80 lbs
Verification levelIndex source; official state verification pending

Sources

Law and source links

Index source: https://www.ghsa.org/state-laws-issues/child-passengers

Statute/source text: GHSA child passenger law summary; Safe Kids state law tracker cross-check

Safety guidance

Even when Maine law allows a seat belt, NHTSA, CDC, and AAP guidance may still recommend a booster until the vehicle belt fits properly.

Requirements guide

Understand age, height, weight, and seat belt fit.

Read requirements

Age guide

See when children typically start and stop using boosters.

Read age guide