The "Highway Construction Zone Automated Speed Enforcement Act" authorizes the New Mexico Department of Transportation to implement automated speed detection devices in highway construction zones to identify and penalize speeding violations. The act establishes a framework for the use of an automated traffic enforcement system, which includes the collection of evidence, the appointment of hearing examiners, and the imposition of civil fines for violations. The act defines key terms such as "automated speed detection device" and "automated traffic enforcement system," and outlines the responsibilities of the department and the traffic safety bureau in managing these systems.

Under the new law, vehicle owners are held strictly liable for speeding violations detected by the automated system, and they have the right to contest fines through a hearing process. The act specifies the procedures for notifying vehicle owners of violations, the options available to them for responding to fines, and the penalties for non-compliance. Additionally, the act sets forth the amounts for civil fines based on the severity of the speed violation and mandates that collected fines be used to support the enforcement system. The provisions of this act will take effect on July 1, 2025.