Statewide events on Sept. 27 as part of National Child Passenger Safety Week
SANTA FE — Free car seat safety checks will be available statewide on Saturday, Sept. 27, in recognition of National Child Passenger Safety Awareness Week.
The New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) Traffic Safety Division, in partnership with Safer New Mexico Now will host the free events.
New Mexico law requires that children under the age of 7 or that weigh less than 60 lbs. must ride in safety seats. The law also states that children aged 7 to 12 must ride in a booster seat until the adult seat belt fits them properly.
Every parent wants to keep their child safe, especially on the road. These hands-on events are designed to give parents and caregivers peace of mind, with help from nationally certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians (CPSTs). Trained experts will provide one-on-one guidance to ensure every car seat is properly installed and appropriate for the child who uses it.
“We understand how overwhelming it can be to figure out if your car seat is installed correctly or even the right one for your child,” said Shannon Glendenning, director for the Traffic Safety Division . “That’s why we host the safety checks, to support families and give them the tools they need to help keep their children safe on the road.”
Motor vehicle crashes remain one of the leading causes of death for children under 15, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Correctly using a child safety seat can significantly reduce the risk of fatal injury:
- 71% for infants in rear-facing seats under the age of 1.
- 54% for toddlers in forward-facing seats children aged 1 to 4.
- Booster seats significantly reduce injury risks (45%) for children ages 4 to 8 compared to using seat belts alone.
During the events:
- CPSTs will spend about 30 minutes per seat teaching proper installation techniques, reviewing safety standards, and answering questions.
- Parents will learn how to avoid common car seat mistakes and ensure the seat fits both their child and their vehicle.
If a seat is found to be expired, recalled, or unsafe, replacement seats will be available on-site. A $35 fee may apply for replacement seats, and children must be present to qualify.
What to Bring:
The car seat.
- The car seat manual.
- Your vehicle manual.
- And if possible, the child who uses the seat.
Whether you’re a new parent or simply want reassurance that your child is riding safely, this event is for you.
Let us help you ensure your child is safe, secure, and buckled up right! Every ride, every time.
Statewide car seat clinics will be held from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturday, September 27, 2025, at the following locations:
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Albuquerque (Northeast) Kohl’s Parking Lot 6800 Holly Avenue NE |
Albuquerque (Southeast) Bernalillo County Fire Rescue Station #38 3610 Prince Street SE |
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Clovis The Java Loft 810 E. 21st Street |
Farmington JC Penny Parking Lot, Animas Mall 4601 E. Main Street |
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Las Cruces Elks Lodge #1119 3000 Elks Dr. |
Los Lunas Youth Development Inc. 428 Los Lentes RD SE |
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Rio Rancho Target Parking Lot 4225 Crestview Drive SE |
Santa Fe Kohl’s Parking Lot 4401 Cerrillos Rd. |
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Taos Taos Middle School 235 Paseo Del Canon E. |
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Fitting Stations are funded by the NMDOT Traffic Safety Division and are available to everyone. For more information on the car seat checks visit Public Involvement Calendar | NMDOT.
For more information about National Child Passenger Safety Week and National Seat Check Saturday, visit www.nhtsa.gov. For other child passenger safety information, call 800-231-6145 or visit www.safernm.org.
This event is proudly held in partnership with:
