FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

DATE:  August 10, 2009

NEWS RELEASE

Rio Rancho Police to enforce speed limits in all School Zones!

            (Rio Rancho, NM) --- Beginning August 17th and continuing through August 28th, 2009, Rio Rancho Police will heavily patrol all school zones in the city targeting speeders and other violators. School will be back in session and children of all ages will be in and around school zones. Unless otherwise posted, School Zones are only 15 m.p.h. The fine for speeding through a School Zone begins at $118.00 and can go as high as $458.00. We will also target drivers and occupants of vehicles not utilizing their seat belts or child restraint devices. Children under the age of 12 are not allowed to ride in the front seat of a vehicle unless all other seating positions are taken by occupants under the age of 12.

            A child under age 1 must ride in a rear-facing child safety seat in the back seat. A child under age 1 can only ride in a front seat if the vehicle has no back seat and there is not an active airbag.

            A child age 1 through 4 must ride in a child safety seat. A child under 40 pounds must ride in a child safety seat.

            A child age 5 or 6 must ride in a child safety seat or booster seat.

            A child under 60 pounds must ride in a child safety seat or booster seat regardless of age.

            A child age 7 through 12 must be properly restrained in a child safety seat, booster seat, or seat belt. A child 13 through 17 must ride in a seat belt.        

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FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

OFFICER JOHN M. FRANCIS/ PIO

CELL:     (505) 975 -7362

OFFICE: (505) 891-5942