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 registration and permit fees, eliminating the nonresident permit fee section and establishing a user fee not exceeding forty dollars for each off-highway motor vehicle.

Furthermore, the bill introduces new safety requirements for operators under the age of eighteen, including the necessity for a safety permit and visual supervision under certain conditions. It also mandates that off-highway motor vehicles must not produce noise exceeding ninety-six decibels and outlines the department's responsibilities in implementing safety training programs, evaluating applications for safety training organizations, and developing educational strategies to promote responsible off-highway vehicle use. The bill aims to improve safety, environmental protection, and user education while ensuring compliance with updated regulations.

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