The bill amends existing laws related to driver education in New Mexico, specifically requiring that all approved driver education courses include a minimum of three hours of education and training focused on driving with vulnerable road users. This new requirement is part of the standards that the department or its designated representative must adopt for driver education and motorcycle driver education courses. Additionally, the bill defines "vulnerable road user" to encompass pedestrians, individuals riding or leading animals, and those operating various non-motorized or less-protected vehicles, such as bicycles and scooters.

Furthermore, the bill modifies the responsibilities of the bureau overseeing driver education, including the establishment of minimum standards for driver training programs that must now also include at least two hours of DWI prevention and education training alongside the newly mandated three hours on vulnerable road users. The effective date for these provisions is set for January 1, 2027.

Statutes affected:
introduced version: 22-13-12, 66-1-4.19, 66-7-506, 66-10-5