New Mexico

GHSA maintains data on state laws surrounding a number of highway safety issues. Below is information regarding laws in the state of New Mexico. For more information, consult the State Highway Safety Office.

New Mexico
Bike helmets required?

Bicycle helmets required for all riders under 18.

New Mexico
Motorcycle Helmet Required?

Helmets required for riders under 18. Universal helmet law repealed 1977.

New Mexico
Length of Regular Renewal Cycle

Choice of 4 or 8 years

New Mexico
Provisions for Mature Drivers

75 and over: renewal every year

New Mexico
Marijuana Impaired Driving

None

New Mexico
DUID Zero Tolerance or Per se Laws for Some Drugs

None

New Mexico
Marijuana Possession and Use

Decriminalized and legal for medical use

New Mexico
Rural Interstates: Cars (MPH)

75

New Mexico
Rural Interstates: Trucks (MPH)

75

New Mexico
Urban Interstates: Cars (MPH)

75

New Mexico
Urban Interstates: Trucks (MPH)

75

New Mexico
Other Limited Access Roads: Cars (MPH)

65

New Mexico
Other Limited Access Roads: Trucks (MPH)

65

New Mexico
Increased penalty for high BAC

.16 (with mandatory jail on all offenses)

New Mexico
Administrative license suspension on first offense

Under 21: 1 year; 21 and over: 6 months

New Mexico
Limited driving privileges during suspension

Immediately with ignition interlock

New Mexico
Ignition Interlocks

Mandatory for all convictions

New Mexico
Open container laws

Yes

New Mexico
Repeat Offender Laws

Yes

New Mexico
Child Restraint Required

Under 1 yrs in rear-facing seat, in rear seat, if available
1-4 yrs or under 40 lbs in child safety seat
5-6 yrs or under 60 lbs in booster seat

New Mexico
Adult Safety Belt Permissible

7-17 yrs

New Mexico
Full Privilege Minimum Age

16 years, 6 months

New Mexico
Learner Stage: Minimum Age (Years/Months)

15

New Mexico
Learner Stage: Minimum Duration (Months)

6

New Mexico
Learner Stage: Supervised Driving Hours (Night Hours in Parenthesis)

50 (10)

New Mexico
Intermediate Stage: Minimum Age (Years/Months)

15 / 6

New Mexico
Intermediate Stage: Nighttime Driving Restriction

Midnight - 5 a.m.

New Mexico
Intermediate Stage: Passenger Restrictions (Except Family, Unless Noted)

No more than 1 under 21

New Mexico
Type of Law

Primary

New Mexico
Who is Covered?

18 and over

New Mexico
In What Seat?

All

New Mexico
Hand-Held Ban?

No

New Mexico
All Cell Phone Ban? School Bus Drivers

No

New Mexico
All Cell Phone Ban? Novice Drivers

Drivers with learner or provisional license. Primary law.

New Mexico
Text Messaging Ban?

All drivers. Primary law.

New Mexico
Red Light Cameras: State Law

Permitted by state law and city ordinance

New Mexico
Red Light Cameras: Where Permitted

Specified jurisdictions; not permitted on state and federal roadways

New Mexico
Speed Cameras: State Law

Permitted by state law

New Mexico
Speed Cameras: Where Permitted

Specified jurisdictions; mobile enforcement vans not permitted on state and federal roadways

Uber and GHSA Award Grants to Provide a Safe Alternative to Drunk and Drugged Driving During the Holidays

The Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA), in partnership with Uber, has awarded the CO, CT, MD, NM and TX State Highway Safety Offices (SHSOs) a total of $95,000 in grant funds and Uber ride credits to support initiatives to help prevent impaired driving this holiday season.

Uber and GHSA Award Grants to Provide a Safe Alternative to Drunk and Drugged Driving During the Holidays

The Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA), in partnership with Uber, has awarded the CO, CT, MD, NM and TX State Highway Safety Offices (SHSOs) a total of $95,000 in grant funds and Uber ride credits to support initiatives to help prevent impaired driving this holiday season.

States Step Up Efforts to Protect People Walking Amid Surge in Unsafe Driving During Pandemic

As the number of pedestrians killed by drivers continues a decade-long trend in the wrong direction during the pandemic, GHSA & its SHSO members are marking the 2nd annual Nat'l Pedestrian Safety Month by taking steps to address the behavioral safety issues that put people on foot at increased risk.

States Step Up Efforts to Protect People Walking Amid Surge in Unsafe Driving During Pandemic

As the number of pedestrians killed by drivers continues a decade-long trend in the wrong direction during the pandemic, GHSA & its SHSO members are marking the 2nd annual Nat'l Pedestrian Safety Month by taking steps to address the behavioral safety issues that put people on foot at increased risk.

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