Ch. 310 1997 LAWS OF MARYLAND

SECTION 1. BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF
MARYLAND, That the Laws of Maryland read as follows:

Article - Transportation

22-412.3.

(a) (1) In this [section,] SECTION the following words have the meanings
indicated.

(2) (i) "Motor vehicle" means a vehicle that is:

1. Registered or capable of being registered in this State as a
Class A (passenger), Class E (truck), Class F (tractor), Class M (multipurpose), or Class
P (passenger bus) vehicle; and

2. Required to be equipped with seat belts under federal motor
vehicle safety standards contained in the Code of Federal Regulations.

(ii) "Motor vehicle" does not include a Class L (historic) vehicle.

(3) "Outboard front seat" means a front seat position that is adjacent to a
door of a motor vehicle.

(4) (i) "Seat belt" means a restraining device described under § 22-412 of
this article SUBTITLE.

(ii) "Seat belt" includes a combination seat belt-shoulder harness.

(b) A person may not operate a motor vehicle unless the person and each
occupant under 16 years old are restrained by a seat belt or a child safety seat as provided
in § 22-412.2 of this [article] SUBTITLE.

(c) (1) The provisions of this subsection apply to a person who is at least 16
years old.

(2) Unless a person is restrained by a seat belt, the person may not be a
passenger in an outboard front seat of a motor vehicle.

(3) A person who violates the provisions of this subsection shall be subject
to the penalties under Title 27 of this article.

(d) If a physician licensed to practice medicine in this State determines and
certifies in writing that use of a seat belt by a person would prevent appropriate restraint
due to a person's physical disability or other medical reason, the provisions of this section
do not apply to the person.

(e) A certification under subsection (d) of this section shall state:

(1) The nature of the physical disability; and

(2) The reason that restraint by a seat belt is inappropriate.

(f) The provisions of this section do not apply to U.S. Postal Service and contract
carriers while delivering mail to local box routes.

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