New virtual car seat inspections available in July

New Mexico Department of Transportation
25 June 2020

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Marisa Maez
Communications Director, Department of Transportation
Marisa.maez@state.nm.us
(505)469-8243

SANTA FE – Car seat inspections are still possible by way of virtual instruction. The New Mexico Department of Transportation’s Traffic Safety Division and Safer New Mexico Now will host virtual car seat education sessions through Zoom.

The one on one sessions will provide parents and caregivers instruction on the proper selection, installation and use of their car seats from nationally certified child passenger safety technicians.

Beginning this July, the virtual sessions will occur every first and third Wednesday of the month between noon and 2 p.m. Sessions are by appointment only. All participants will be required to electronically sign a waiver of liability prior to their scheduled session.

Parents and caregivers must have a valid email address, access to the internet or Wi-Fi and the ability to use Zoom through the website https://zoom.us/ or by downloading the app.

Additional requirements include:
· Car or booster seat, along with the manual
· Vehicle manual
· Laptop or smartphone with video capabilities
· The child’s exact height and weight
· Child should be present if possible
· A second person may be helpful to assist with camera/video session

Technicians will spend approximately 30 minutes per seat providing education on the correct selection, installation and use of their car or booster seat. Parents and caregivers will also learn important information regarding common errors in car seat safety and be able to ask questions.

Due to the governor’s COVID-19 mandates and social distancing requirements, replacement seats will not be available.

The virtual car seat education sessions are a free public service funded by the NMDOT and are available to everyone. For more information or to make an appointment, please call (800) 231-6145.