The bill amends Section 66-3-852 of the New Mexico Statutes to enhance public safety on highways by allowing law enforcement officers and Department of Transportation employees to move vehicles, cargo, or debris that pose an immediate public safety hazard. The new language specifies that if a vehicle is found on a roadway or highway right of way in a manner that creates a hazard, authorized personnel may remove it to eliminate the danger. This provision aims to ensure the safety of all road users by allowing for prompt action in hazardous situations.

Additionally, the bill includes a liability clause stating that the state, counties, municipalities, and authorized personnel will not be held liable for any damage that may occur to the removed vehicle, cargo, or debris during the process of addressing the safety hazard. The definition of "law enforcement officer" is also clarified to include various types of police and public safety officials authorized to enforce criminal laws. These changes are intended to streamline the response to hazardous situations on roadways while protecting those who act to mitigate such risks.

Statutes affected:
introduced version: 66-3-852