New Mexico’s speeding laws and the consequences of a speeding violation.
Below we explain specifically what these two types of speeding violations are and the penalties you might face (assuming you don’t successfully fight the ticket) if you get cited for one of these violations.
How Do New Mexico's Speed Limits Work?
In New Mexico, you can get a speeding ticket for exceeding an “absolute speed limit” or driving in violation of the “basic speeding law.” (N.M. Stat. Ann. § 66-7-301.)
New Mexico's Absolute (Maximum) Speed Limits
An absolute speed limit is just what it sounds like—the maximum speed you can lawfully drive on a roadway. New Mexico’s absolute speed limits (unless otherwise posted) are:
- 75 miles per hour on highways
- 35 miles per hour in business and residential districts, and
- 15 miles per hour in a posted school zone.
Generally, there’s signage indicating what the absolute speed limit is on the specific part of the roadway.
New Mexico's Basic Speeding Law
In addition to complying with absolute limits, all New Mexico drivers must abide by the state’s basic speed law. The basic law requires all drivers to use due care; and control their speed so as to avoid colliding with any person or vehicle which is either on or while entering the highway. In other words, even if you’re not exceeding the absolute limit, your speed can still be in violation of the basic speed law if it’s unsafe under the existing circumstances.
Penalties for a Speeding Ticket in New Mexico
In New Mexico, speeding tickets generally result in a fine and traffic violation points going on your driving record.
Fines for Speeding Tickets in New Mexico
The fines for speeding tickets depend on the driver’s speed compared to the limit or reasonable speed. Here are the fine amounts for speeding violations in New Mexico:
- Up to 10 miles per hour over the limit, $25 fine.
- 11 to 15 miles per hour over the limit, $30 fine.
- 16 to 20 miles per hour over the limit, $65 fine.
- 21 to 25 miles per hour over the limit, $100 fine.
- 26 to 30 miles per hour over the limit, $125 fine.
- 31 to 35 miles per hour over the limit, $150 fine.
- More than 35 miles per hour over the limit, $200 fine.
Speeding in a posted construction zone will normally result in enhanced fine amounts. (N.M. Stat. Ann. § 66-8-116.)
Traffic Violation Points for Speeding Tickets in New Mexico
Depending on how fast you were going, a speeding violation will typically add three to eight points to your driving record.
Reckless Driving and Vehicular Homicide Charges in New Mexico
Depending on the circumstances, a speeding violation can lead to a “reckless driving” or “careless driving” conviction. And, if a speeding violation results in the death of another person, vehicular homicide charges are a possibility.