According to Maryland law, who must wear a seat belt?

Maryland law mandates that all occupants of a motor vehicle must wear a seat belt, regardless of their age or position in the vehicle. This comprehensive requirement helps enhance the safety of everyone in the vehicle and reduce the risk of injury in the event of an accident. By ensuring that every person—whether in the front or back seats—is secured with a seat belt, the law aims to promote responsible driving habits and ensure the well-being of all passengers.

The other options do not reflect this comprehensive requirement. For example, restricting the mandate to only front seat passengers or only the driver would leave other occupants unprotected, which could lead to increased injuries in crashes. Similarly, limiting the rule to just children under 16 ignores the fact that adults also need protection from the risks of unrestrained driving. By including all occupants, Maryland’s law emphasizes the importance of universal seat belt use as a critical component of road safety.