New Mexico Driving Laws
Updated: December, 2024
Summary of common traffic laws in New Mexico – Speed limits, License Renewals, Learners Permits, Drunk Driving Laws, and more. For more information, visit the New Mexico Traffic Safety Bureau website.
Speed Limits
In New Mexico, the maximum speed limit for cars is 75 mph. The maximum highway speed for trucks is also 75 mph. These are maximum speeds. Speeds may be lower on highway passing through urban areas. Always observe posted traffic laws and drive safely for the weather and road conditions.
Learners Permits
New Mexico allows new drivers to get their learners permit at the age of 15. You must have your provisional license for a minimum of 6 months. Drivers can then get their intermediate license at 15 years and 6 months. An Intermediate License imposes restricts on when you are allowed to drive and how many passengers are allowed in the car, but allows you to drive yourself without an instructor in the car.
In New Mexico, drivers can obtain their full drivers license at the age of 16 years and 6 months.
License Renewal
New Mexico requires you to renew your license every 4 years. There are additional provisions for older drivers:
View all Drivers License Renewal Info
Work Zones
The state of New Mexico enforces increased penalties for speeding violations within work zones. These increased penalties are known as Work Zone Enhancements. Work Zone Enhancements can be enforced even if workers are not present as long as road work signs are posted. In New Mexico, Work Zone Enhacements are:
Drunk Driving Laws
The legal Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) is 0.08%. Most states impose increased mandatory penalties for driving above a specific BAC. In New Mexico, driving with a BAC above 0.16% will trigger automatic enhanced minimum penalties.
Texting while Driving
Cellphones and other handheld devices are banned while driving in most states. In New Mexico, hand-held devices such as phones and mp3 player are are not banned. Hands-free interaction with cellphones is allowed.
Texting while driving is banned in New Mexico. Texting while driving is concidered a primary offense. This means that you can be pulled over with texting as the only offense. In New Mexico, distracted driving is listed as a category on police crash report forms.
Seat Belt Laws
New Mexico requires seabelt use. Seatbelt enforcement is concidered primary, meaning you can be pulled over for not wearing a seatbelt. The fine for a seatbelt law violation in New Mexico is $25.00. Seatbelt laws very by state. Many states require passengers to wear seatbelts as well.
Data Source
New Mexico Traffic Safety Bureau
Data Source
United States Department of Transportation
