A child who weighs less than 40 pounds AND who is less than 4 years of age, must ride in a Child Safety Seat (infant, convertible or combination)

A child who weighs at least 40 pounds but less than 80 pounds AND who is less than 8 years of age must ride in a federally approved child restraint system (booster seat, EZ-On Harness/Vest)

A child who is less than 12 years of age AND who weighs less than 100 pounds must be properly secured in the back seat of the vehicle if possible.

Compliance with this law is the driver's responsibility. Failure to comply can result in fines.

Calais Regional Hospital sponsors a Car Seat Program where child safety seats can be purchased. The program provides infant, toddler and booster seats at a fee of $15. Help with locating special needs seats is also available. The infant seats are for children who weigh less than 20 pounds and are less than 27 inches tall. The toddler seats are for children who weigh up to 40 pounds and are up to 40 inches tall. The booster seats are for children who weigh 30 to 60 pounds and are at least 35 inches tall. If you are interested in purchasing a care seat and/or need instructions in using a child safety seat, please contact Carla McCann Bridges at (207) 454-9262.

To learn more about child passenger safety, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Child Passenger Safety page a http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/people/injury/childps/ or the Maine Bureau of Highway Safety at http://www.state.me.us/dps/Bhs/saftyres.htm