New Mexico Driving Record
Anyone operating a motor vehicle or motorcycle on public roadways in the State of New Mexico must have a driver license. You are also required to have a New Mexico driver license if you are a resident.
Keeping New Mexico Driver License Privileges
You must drive safely at all times to keep your driver license. You can lose your driving privileges for any of the following:
- A conviction for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Refusing to be tested for alcohol or drugs if you are asked to do so by a police officer
- Leaving the scene of an accident in which you are involved, without identifying yourself
- Giving false information when you apply for a driver license
- Failing to settle a financial judgment made against you for damages resulting from a motor vehicle accident
- Attempting to change the information on your license or using someone else's license when attempting to purchase an alcoholic beverage
- Failing to appear for a re-examination when requested to do so by the MVD
- Using a motor vehicle to commit a felony or causing the death of someone in a motor vehicle accident
- Having too many points on your driving record
- Letting someone else use your driver license
New Mexico Seat Belts
Before you drive, always fasten your safety belts and make sure all your passengers are using safety belts or child restraints. Also remember to lock the vehicle's doors.
It is important that you and your passengers use safety belts. Studies have shown that if you are in an accident while using safety belts, your chances of being hurt or killed are greatly reduced. In the State of New Mexico, it is illegal to drive without wearing safety belts.
New Mexico Driving Laws
- New Mexico requires that you pass a vision test before you get a driver license.? This test measures that you have at least 20/40 vision in at least one eye, with or without corrective lenses.
- In New Mexico drivers who have epilepsy, diabetes, adverse heart conditions and other medical problems are required to send the Motor Vehicle Division periodic medical statements signed by their physicians.
- Everyone who operates a motor vehicle in New Mexico must have a motor vehicle liability insurance policy.
- New Mexico Law requires all motorcycle drivers and passengers under 18 years old to wear a helmet.
New Mexico Point System
SUSPENSION OF DRIVERS LICENSE AT 7 TO 10 POINTS
If a driver has been assessed from seven to ten points for violations occurring within a period of one year and the Department receives a recommendation from a municipal or magistrate judge that the drivers license be suspended for a period not to exceed three months, the Department shall automatically suspend the license for the period recommended by the municipal or magistrate judge up to a period of three months. If the judge does not specify the recommended length of the period of suspension, the Department will presume that the recommendation is for a period of three months. The Department shall notify the driver of the fact of the suspension of the drivers license and of the beginning and ending dates of the suspension.
SUSPENSION AT 12 POINTS
Upon the assessment of points to a driver which causes the total points accumulated by that driver to equal or exceed twelve points for violations occurring within a period of twelve consecutive months, the Department shall suspend the drivers license for a period of twelve months. The department shall notify the driver of the fact of the suspension of the drivers license under this regulation, the beginning date of the suspension and the drivers right to a hearing under the provisions of Section 66-5-30(B) NMSA 1978. The driver shall surrender the drivers license to the Department immediately upon receiving notice of the suspension unless the driver requests a hearing under the provisions of Section 66-5-30(B) NMSA 1978, in which case the license shall be surrendered immediately upon a final decision adverse to the driver.
| Points | Type of Violation |
|---|
| 8 | Speeding 26 or more MPH over the posted speed limit on any trafficway if the limit is 15, 30 or 75 MPH. |
| 8 | Speeding 26 or more MPH over the posted speed limit on any trafficway if the limit is other than 15, 30 or 75 MPH and the speed was at least 76 MPH. |
| 6 | Passing school bus taking on or discharging passengers or displaying warning not to pass. |
| 6 | Reckless driving. |
| 6 | Contest racing on trafficway. |
| 5 | Speeding 16 to 25 MPH over the posted speed limit on any trafficway if the limit is 15, 30 or 75 MPH. |
| 5 | Speeding 16 to 25 MPH over the posted speed limit on any trafficway if the limit is other than 15, 30 or 75 MPH and the speed was at least 76 MPH. |
| 4 | Failure to yield right of way to an authorized emergency vehicle. |
| 3 | Careless driving. |
| 3 | Failure to obey traffic instructions stated on traffic 66-7-341 sign or shown by traffic control device. |
| 3 | Following the vehicle ahead too closely. |
| 3 | Failure to yield right of way in manner required. |
| 3 | Vehicle turning left at intersection. |
| 3 | Failure to yield right of way at yield sign after stop 66-7-331 or when emerging from private trafficway. |
| 3 | Certain vehicles must stop at railroad grade crossings. |
| 3 | Improper backing. |
| 3 | Making improper turn. |
| 3 | Failure to drive on right side of roadway when required. |
| 3 | Passing vehicles proceeding in opposite directions. |
| 3 | Improper overtaking or passing of a vehicle. |
| 3 | Driving to the left of center of roadway when prohibited. |
| 3 | Passing where prohibited by posted signs, pavement markings, or hill or curve. |
| 3 | Passing with insufficient distance allowed for other vehicles or with inadequate visibility. |
| 3 | Speeding 6 to 15 MPH over the posted speed limit on any trafficway if the limit is 15, 30 or 75 MPH. |
| 3 | Speeding 6 to 15 MPH over the posted speed limit on any trafficway if the limit is other than 15, 30 or 75 MPH and the speed is at least 76 MPH. |
| 2 | Operating with any defective equipment resulting in inability to 66-3-807 control vehicle movement properly. |
| 2 | Operating with defective brakes. |
| 2 | Failure to signal intention to change vehicle direction or to reduce speed suddenly. |
| 2 | Giving wrong signal. |
| 2 | Overloading vehicle with passengers or cargo. |
| 2 | Failure to restrain child passenger properly. |
| 2 | Failure to use seatbelt properly. |
Additional New Mexico Resources
New Mexico County Coverage
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