New Mexico § 66-7-369 - Child passenger restraint; enforcement
Full text of New Mexico New Mexico Statutes Annotated § 66-7-369 — Child passenger restraint; enforcement, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 66-7-369. Child passenger restraint; enforcement
A. A person shall not operate a passenger car, van or pickup truck in this state,
except for an authorized emergency vehicle, public transportation or a school bus,
unless all passengers less than eighteen years of age are properly restrained. B. Each person less than eighteen years of age shall be properly secured in a child
passenger restraint device or by a safety belt, unless all seating positions equipped
with safety belts are occupied, as follows: (1) children less than one year of age shall be properly secured in a rear-facing
child passenger restraint device that meets federal standards, in the rear seat of
a vehicle that is equipped with a rear seat. If the vehicle is not equipped with a rear seat, the child may ride in the front
seat of the vehicle if the passenger-side air bag is deactivated or if the vehicle
is not equipped with a deactivation switch for the passenger-side air bag; (2) children one year of age through four years of age, regardless of weight, or children
who weigh less than forty pounds, regardless of age, shall be properly secured in
a child passenger restraint device that meets federal standards; (3) children five years of age through six years of age, regardless of weight, or
children who weigh less than sixty pounds, regardless of age, shall be properly secured
in either a child booster seat or an appropriate child passenger restraint device
that meets federal standards; and (4) children seven years of age through twelve years of age shall be properly secured
in a child passenger restraint device or by a seat belt. C. A child is properly secured in an adult seat belt when the lap belt properly fits
across the child's thighs and hips and not the abdomen. The shoulder strap shall cross the center of the child's chest and not the neck,
allowing the child to sit all the way back against the vehicle seat with knees bent
over the seat edge. D. Failure to be secured by a child passenger restraint device, by a child booster
seat or by a safety belt as required by this section shall not in any instance constitute
fault or negligence and shall not limit or apportion damages.
Source: official New Mexico text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About New Mexico § 66-7-369
What does New Mexico Statutes Annotated § 66-7-369 cover?
Section 66-7-369 ("Child passenger restraint; enforcement") is part of the New Mexico Statutes Annotated, the codified statutory law of New Mexico. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite New Mexico § 66-7-369?
A common citation format is "New Mexico Statutes Annotated § 66-7-369" (New Mexico). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of New Mexico law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the New Mexico official source linked on this page or consult a licensed New Mexico attorney.
How does New Mexico § 66-7-369 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in New Mexico can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in New Mexico.