New Mexico

New Mexico’s Traffic Violation Point System

The actions taken by the New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division for point accumulation depend on the number of points the driver has gotten within the last year. Drivers with six or more points might face license suspension.

New Mexico’s Teen Driver’s License and Insurance Requirements

Teen drivers under the age of 18 that wish to drive must participate in the State of New Mexico 's graduated license system. Prior to applying for an instruction permit, a teen must be enrolled in an MVD-approved driver’s education course that includes a DWI (driving while intoxicated) education component.

New Mexico’s Cell Phone-Use & Texting-While-Driving Laws

New Mexico’s distracted driving laws prohibit all motorists from text messaging while operating a vehicle. And for commercial drivers, texting and talking on a phone while driving is against the law.

New Mexico Speeding Tickets and Penalties

In New Mexico, you can get a speeding ticket for exceeding an “absolute speed limit” or driving in violation of the “basic speeding law.” Read about how these limits work and the penalties for a speeding ticket in New Mexico.

Red Light and Stop Sign Tickets in New Mexico

New Mexico drivers who run a stop sign or stop light will likely have to pay a fine. And a red light or stop sign violation will also add demerit points to a motorist’s driving record. This article gives an outline of what the law says and some of the specific consequences of a stop sign or red light ticket.

Driving Without a Valid (or on a Suspended) License in New Mexico

New Mexico prohibits driving without a valid driver’s license, whether suspended, revoked, or never issued. This article defines this violation, the possible penalties, and the exemptions to the license requirement.

New Mexico's Reckless Driving Laws and Penalties

New Mexico defines “reckless driving” as driving “carelessly and heedlessly in willful or wanton disregard for the rights or safety of others,” and “without due caution and circumspection and at a speed or in a manner so as to endanger or be likely to endanger a person or property.”

New Mexico's Vehicular Homicide Laws and Penalties

A motorist who drives recklessly or under the influence of drugs or alcohol and causes the death of another person will likely face vehicular homicide charges. Read more about how the offense is defined and the penalties for a conviction.

New Mexico’s Commercial Driver’s License Laws

Obtaining a commercial driver's license (CDL) in New Mexico requires passage of a skills and knowledge test based upon the type of commercial motor vehicles (CMV) being driven. Federal law requires that CDL drivers crossing state lines must be 21 years of age. States may set different age limits for commercial drivers that operate solely within the state.

New Mexico’s Child Car Seat and Seat Belt Laws

Vehicle child safety seat requirements, including age, weight, and height limits for different types of car seats.