SANTA FE — The New Mexico Department of Transportation Traffic Safety Division and Safer New Mexico Now are hosting virtual car seat checks through Zoom.

Nationally certified child passenger safety technicians provide parents and caregivers with one-on-one instruction on the proper selection, installation and use of their car seats.

The virtual sessions are by appointment only and will occur every first and third Wednesday of the month between 11 am and 1 pm. Sessions are also offered on the second Saturday of the month between noon and 2 pm.

All participants are required to electronically sign a waiver of liability prior to their scheduled session.

To participate in the virtual session, parents and caregivers must have a valid email address, access to the Internet or Wi-Fi, and the ability to use Zoom via the app or website.  Zoom can be downloaded by visiting https://zoom.us/

Additional items required to successfully complete the virtual car seat check include:

Car seat

Car seat 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 to assist with camera/video session

Technicians will spend about 45 minutes per seat educating parents 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.

Due to the state’s public health order, social distancing requirements are mandated, and replacement seats will not be available.

The virtual car seat education sessions are a free public service funded by the NMDOT TSD and are available to everyone.

For more information or to make an appointment, please call (800) 231-6145.