Violating New Mexico driving and traffic laws can result in the suspension of your driving privileges. The New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) uses a point system to track violations and their corresponding penalties. Points are added to your driving record if you receive a traffic ticket for moving violations.

MOVING VIOLATIONS AND POINTS

Different violations are assigned different point values, which are added to your driving record. For instance, moving violations like wrong signalling, unnecessary vehicle overload, driving without seat belts fastened, and failure to abide by child safety rules carry two points each. Three-point offenses include careless driving, illegal changing of lanes, wrongful turns, and unlawful passing. Not giving timely pass to all State emergency vehicles carries four points and driving through when a school bus is letting a child down carries six points. The number of points assessed for different speeding violations are as follows:

Exceeding the maximum speed limit by 6-15 mph:3 points

Exceeding the maximum speed limit by 16-25 mph: 5 points

Exceeding the maximum speed limit by 26 mph or more:8 points

View the complete Point Schedule to learn about the number of points associated with each type of moving violation.

PENALTIES

You will be subject to specific penalties if you accumulate a certain number of points on your driving license:

1. If you get six or more points on your current driving record you might be warned of actions which can be taken against you for the same.
2. If you get seven or more points on your current driving record, a magistrate or municipal judge can recommend the MVD to suspend your license for a maximum of three months.
3. You will have your license suspended for one year, if you accumulate 12 or more points on your current driving record within a year. A notice of scheduled suspension will be mailed to you.
4. Accumulating points on your driving license is also likely to increase your auto insurance rates. See our auto insurance section for more information about obtaining quality car insurance at competitive rates.

HOW TO CLEAR YOUR DRIVING RECORD

The New Mexico MVD maintains a record of all the points added to your driving license. However, there are a number of ways in which you can have your current driving record reinstated.

1. You can pay a reinstatement fee of $25 to the MVD.
2. Taking a Driving examination provided by the MVD may also qualify you for reinstating your license and a reduction in your car insurance rates.
3. A driver improvement program approved by the Traffic Safety Bureau of the State Highway and Transportation Department. This has to be initiated within 90 days of application for reinstatement of license.

HOW TO DISPUTE A MOVING VIOLATION CHARGE

If you believe you have been incorrectly charged with committing a moving violation, you may be able to fight the charge in court. See Traffic Tickets and Traffic Ticket Attorneys for more information.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• Points are not assessed for parking or other non-moving violations.
• See also Driver's Education and Suspended Licenses.