State law requires anyone riding in a motor vehicle that was manufactured with seat belts to wear a seat belt while the vehicle is in motion.
Police officers have the right to pull over a vehicle just because an occupant is not obeying this law. Violators may be fined $25, have two points assessed on their license, and face possible additional fees depending on where they live.
The rules concerning safety seats vary with the child's age.
Children under the age of 1 year need to be properly secured in an approved rear-facing safety seat placed in the back seat of the vehicle. In a vehicle without a rear seat, place the child in a safety seat on the front passenger seat, as long as the passenger-side air bag has been deactivated.
Children between the ages of one and five and those weighing under 40 pounds must be properly secured in an approved safety seat.
Children ages five and six and those weighing under 60 pounds must be properly secured in an approved booster seat or another appropriate car seat.
Children between 6 and 12 years old may be properly secured in a car seat or booster seat, or by a seat belt.
If you’re in the market for one, you can shop online for a car seat at any time. When ordering, be sure the car seat matches your child’s height, weight and age.
Drivers may be fined $25, have two points assessed on their license, and face possible additional fees depending on where they live for failing to properly secure children riding in their vehicle.
*Laws are always changing. We cannot guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information contained herein. Please visit New Mexico legislature, https://www.nmlegis.gov for the most current laws.