No, child labor under 14 is not legal in New Mexico except under highly restricted exemptions. The New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions enforces strict prohibitions under the New Mexico Child Labor Act, aligning with federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) standards. Minors under 14 may only work in non-hazardous agricultural or newspaper delivery roles with parental consent and limited hours, subject to 2026 compliance updates requiring additional parental and school district verification.
Key Regulations for Child Labor Under 14 in New Mexico
- Age Restrictions: Minors under 14 are barred from non-agricultural employment, per NM Stat. § 50-6-1 et seq. Exemptions permit limited agricultural work or door-to-door newspaper sales, but only outside school hours.
- Parental & School Approval: Employers must secure written parental consent and school district verification for any permitted work, a requirement reinforced by the 2026 amendments to the Child Labor Act.
- Hour Limitations: Even in exempt roles, work hours are capped at 3 hours on school days and 8 hours on non-school days, with strict prohibitions on late-night shifts (after 7 PM). Violations trigger penalties under NM Stat. § 50-6-25.