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 a requirement for a seventeen-character vehicle identification number. Additionally, the bill modifies the registration and user fee structure, eliminating the nonresident permit fees and streamlining the fee distribution process to better support the motor vehicle division and the trail safety fund.

Furthermore, the bill introduces new safety requirements for operators under the age of eighteen, including the necessity for eye protection and a safety helmet, as well as stipulations regarding supervision while operating off-highway vehicles. The department is tasked with developing a comprehensive safety training program and implementing 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, thereby promoting responsible operation and safety within the community.

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