The Official Site of Rio Rancho, NM

City of Rio Rancho
3200 Civic Center Circle NE
Rio Rancho, NM 87144
Ph: (505) 891-5000
TTY:(505) 891-1365
8am - 5pm, Mon - Fri

What are the child restraint laws?: Children less than one year of age shall be properly secured in a rear- facing child passenger restraint device that meets federal standard in the rear seat vehicle, or in the front seat of the vehicle if the passenger-side air bag is deactivated.
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; children five years of age through twelve years of age shall be secured in the rear seat of a motor vehicle equipped with a rear seat, unless all available seating positions are occupied by passengers twelve years of age or younger; and children thirteen through seventeen years of age shall be secured by a safety belt in the front seat or rear seat of the vehicle.

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Police Department

1. May I burn today?: You may call the burn line at (505) 891-7268 to find out if you can burn.

2. Where can I apply for a Police Officer position?: You can apply at two locations. The Rio Rancho Police Department offices at 500 Quantum Road or at City Hall, 3200 Civic Center Circle NE in the Human Resources Office.

3. What are the child restraint laws?: Children less than one year of age shall be properly secured in a rear- facing child passenger restraint device that meets federal standard in the rear seat vehicle, or in the front seat of the vehicle if the passenger-side air bag is deactivated.
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; children five years of age through twelve years of age shall be secured in the rear seat of a motor vehicle equipped with a rear seat, unless all available seating positions are occupied by passengers twelve years of age or younger; and children thirteen through seventeen years of age shall be secured by a safety belt in the front seat or rear seat of the vehicle.

4. What can I do about barking dogs in my neighborhood?: You should call Animal Control at (505) 891-5075 to report barking dogs.

5. What do I do about speeding vehicles in my area?: For emergencies, please immediately call 911. For non-emergencies, please call (505) 891-5970 to talk with a representative from the traffic division.

6. Should I call the police if I'm involved in a motor vehicle accident?: By law, you are obligated to report any motor vehicle accident if it causes damage in excess of $500 or causes an injury.

7. What do I have to do to obtain a handgun permit?: Contact the State Department of Public Safety at 1-505-842-3082.

8. How can I pay the penalty assessment for a citation?: Citations issued for violations of a city of Rio Rancho municipal ordinance may be paid in person at the Rio Rancho Municipal Court, 500 Quantum Road SE. Citations issued by state or county law enforcement officers may be paid in person at Magistrate Court, or by mail to the address noted on the back of the citation.

9. What should I do when I see or hear an emergency vehicle approaching?: The law requires drivers to immediately pull to the right and stop on the approach of an emergency vehicle running with lights and/or siren engaged. By approach, the law means from any direction: from behind, side or on-coming. The reason for requiring motorists to pull to the right and stop is so that the emergency vehicle may safely proceed through traffic to their destination. Emergency vehicle operators are instructed to use the center-most lane when responding to an emergency. If you are driving in the same direction as the emergency vehicle and they need to make a right turn, the emergency vehicle cannot safely execute this maneuver until you have either stopped or passed; stopping is the safest action. If you are meeting an emergency vehicle that needs to turn left and if you continue moving, the emergency vehicle must stop and wait for you to clear the intersection before they can safely make a left turn. Emergency vehicle operators are instructed to remain very cognizant of other traffic on the roadway. Therefore, your cooperation while driving, pulling to the right and stopping, makes the roads safer for everyone.