FARMINGTON – The New Mexico Department of Transportation Traffic Safety Division (NMDOT TSD) in collaboration with Safer New Mexico Now will host an in-person Car Seat Inspection Clinic from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., Saturday, January 18, 2025, at the Farmington Fire Station #2, 3800 English Road, Farmington. This free educational event provides parents and caregivers instruction on the proper selection, installation, and use of their car seats from nationally certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians (CPSTs).

At the event, CPSTs will spend approximately 30 minutes per seat educating parents and caregivers on the proper selection, installation, and use of their car and booster seats. Parents and caregivers will also learn important information regarding common errors in car seat safety and be able to ask questions. If a technician determines a car seat to be recalled, expired, or otherwise unsafe, replacement seats will be available.

To participate in the Car Seat Inspection Clinic, parents and caregivers should bring their car seat, car seat manual, vehicle manual, and the child should be present if possible. Car seat inspections are first come first served and appointments are not necessary.

Car Seat Inspection Clinics are a free public service funded by the NMDOT Traffic Safety Division and are available to everyone. The child must be present to be considered for a seat replacement. A $35 seat replacement fee may apply. For more information, please call (800) 231-6145 or (505) 856-6143.

Following a successful year for the Occupant Protection Program in 2024, car seat events (including Fitting Stations and Car Seat Clinics) saw higher attendance compared to previous years. The state’s seat belt use survey reached an all-time high of 93.9%—the highest ever recorded in New Mexico—and the NMDOT-TSD aims to improve upon this achievement in 2025. Multiple events and activities are scheduled throughout the state in the coming year, with participation from numerous traffic safety partners and law enforcement agencies.