This bill establishes the Special Permit Review Board within the Department of Transportation, which will consist of representatives from public safety, transportation, and the New Mexico trucking association. The board is tasked with reviewing applications from vehicle operators who are ineligible for special permits under current law, allowing them an opportunity to demonstrate continued eligibility. The Department of Transportation is also required to create rules outlining the criteria and procedures for this review process.

Additionally, the bill introduces a misdemeanor charge for operating an overweight vehicle in violation of the time specified in a special permit issued by the Department of Transportation or local highway authorities. It sets forth civil penalties for such violations, including a $1,000 penalty for the first offense and $2,000 for a second offense. Furthermore, upon a third violation, operators will lose eligibility for future special permits unless they apply for continued eligibility through the Special Permit Review Board. The provisions of this act are set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
introduced version: 66-8-116.1