This bill amends various sections of the New Mexico Motor Vehicle Code to increase penalties for certain misdemeanor violations. Specifically, it raises the maximum fine for general misdemeanor violations from $300 to a range of $100 to $500, and for reckless driving, it increases the fines for first and subsequent convictions, with the first conviction now carrying a fine of $500 to $750 and the second or subsequent conviction ranging from $750 to $1,000. Additionally, the bill introduces a new section on careless driving, establishing penalties of $250 to $500 for first offenses and $500 to $750 for repeat offenses.

Furthermore, the bill updates the penalty assessment schedule for various offenses, significantly increasing fines for violations such as improper display of registration plates, failure to notify of a change of name or address, and speeding. For example, the penalty for speeding up to ten miles over the limit is raised from $25 to $100, while the penalty for speeding more than thirty-five miles over the limit increases from $200 to $275. The bill also revises penalties for specific violations related to commercial vehicles and transport of oversized loads, reflecting a comprehensive effort to enhance enforcement and compliance with motor vehicle regulations in New Mexico.

Statutes affected:
introduced version: 66-8-7, 66-8-113, 66-8-114, 66-8-116