§ 24-12-6-13.13. Mandatory use of seatbelts.

A.

Except as provided by Section 12-6-13.12 and in Subsection B of this section, each occupant of a motor vehicle having a gross vehicle weight of ten thousand pounds or less manufactured with safety belts in compliance with federal motor vehicle safety standard number 208 shall have a safety belt properly fastened about his body at all times when the vehicle is in motion on any street or highway.

B.

This section shall not apply to an occupant of a motor vehicle having a gross vehicle weight of ten thousand pounds or less who possesses a written statement from a licensed physician that he is unable for medical reasons to wear a safety belt or to a rural letter carrier of the United States postal service while performing the duties of a rural letter carrier.

C.

Each person violating Subsection A of Section 12-6-13.13 shall be fined an amount not less than twenty-five dollars ($25.00) or more than fifty dollars ($50.00) including court costs.

D.

Failure to be secured by a child passenger restraint device or by a safety belt as required in this Section shall not in any instance constitute fault or negligence and shall not limit or apportion damages.

E.

The provisions of this Section shall be enforced whether or not associated with the enforcement of any other statute.

(Ord. No. 1567 , 5-29-18)

State law reference

66-7-372, 66-7-373 NMSA 1978.