Child Passenger Safety Week and National Seat Check Saturday on Sept. 26, 2026

NMDOT to hosts car seat safety checks statewide

SANTA FE — The New Mexico Department of Transportation Traffic Safety Division will sponsor car seat inspection clinics across the state Saturday, Sept. 26, as part of National Child Passenger Safety Week and National Seat Check Saturday. National Child Passenger Safety Week, observed Sept. 20-26, is an annual campaign led by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to educate parents and caregivers about properly securing children in vehicles. The campaign emphasizes selecting the right car seat, booster seat or seat belt for a child’s age, weight and height and ensuring it is installed and used correctly.

During the clinics, nationally certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians will spend approximately 30 minutes per seat working with parents and caregivers on the proper selection, installation and use of car seats and booster seats. Technicians will also identify common car seat safety errors and answer questions. If a technician determines that a car seat is recalled, expired or otherwise unsafe, replacement seats will be available. A $35 replacement fee may apply.

Parents and caregivers should bring their car seat, car seat manual and vehicle owner’s manual. The child should also be present, if possible, to help technicians ensure the seat is properly fitted. Inspections are available on a first-come, first-served basis. No appointments are necessary.

Statewide car seat inspection clinics will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 26, at the following locations:

ALBUQUERQUE – Northeast
Kohls Parking lot
6800 Holly Avenue NE

ALBUQUERQUE – Southeast
Bernalillo County Fire Rescue Station #38
3610 Prince Street SE

CLOVIS
The Java Loft
810 East 21st Street

FARMINGTON
Animas Valley Mall
4601 E Main St.
Between Hobby Lobby and Wells Fargo

LAS CRUCES
Elks Lodge #1119
3000 Elks Dr

LAS VEGAS
First Baptist Church of Las Vegas
201 Mountain View Drive

RIO RANCHO
Target – Parking Lot
4225 Crestview Dr SE

ROSWELL
CASA KIDS – First United Methodist
200 N Pennsylania

SANTA FE
James Armijo State Farm
901 Alameda

The clinics are a public service provided by the NMDOT Traffic Safety Division and Safer New Mexico Now. There is no charge for car seat inspections; however, a $35 fee may apply if a replacement seat is needed. For more information about Child Passenger Safety Week, National Seat Check Saturday or child passenger safety resources, call 505-856-6143 or visit safernm.org.

For more information about the New Mexico Department of Transportation, visit dot.nm.gov.

NMDOT encourages every driver and passenger to make buckling up an automatic part of every trip, every person, every seat, every time.