The bill amends the Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Act to enhance registration enforcement and address the evolving needs of off-highway motor vehicle users in New Mexico. Key changes include updated definitions for various types of off-highway vehicles, such as "recreational off-highway vehicle," which now specifies an unladen dry weight of under three thousand five hundred pounds and includes new identification requirements. Additionally, the bill modifies the registration and nonresident permit fees, removing the previous nonresident permit provisions and establishing a clearer fee structure for both residents and nonresidents.

Furthermore, the bill introduces new safety requirements for operators under the age of eighteen, including the necessity for eye protection and safety helmets, and outlines the conditions under which they may carry passengers. The Department of Game and Fish is tasked with implementing a comprehensive safety training program and developing strategies to minimize the impact of off-highway vehicle use on agricultural practices and the environment. The bill also emphasizes collaboration with various agencies to ensure effective enforcement and education regarding off-highway vehicle use, while allowing for the adaptation of regulations as new vehicle types emerge in the market.

Statutes affected:
introduced version: 66-3-1001.1, 66-3-1004, 66-3-1010.3, 66-3-1018