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Current as of January 01, 2024 | Updated by FindLaw Staff
A. A person shall not operate an off-highway motor vehicle:
(1) in a careless, reckless or negligent manner so as to endanger the person or property of another;
(2) while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or drugs as provided by Section 66-8-102 NMSA 1978;
(3) while in pursuit of and with intent to hunt or take a species of animal or bird protected by law unless otherwise authorized by the state game commission;
(4) in pursuit of or harassment of livestock in any manner that negatively affects the livestock's condition;
(5) on or within an earthen tank or other structure meant to water livestock or wildlife, unless the off-highway motor vehicle is on a route designated by the landowner or land management agency as an off-highway motor vehicle route;
(6) in a manner that has a direct negative effect on or interferes with persons engaged in agricultural practices;
(7) in excess of ten miles per hour within two hundred feet of a business, animal shelter, horseback rider, bicyclist, pedestrian, livestock or occupied dwelling, unless the person operates the vehicle on a closed course or track or a public roadway;
(8) unless in possession of the person's registration certificate or nonresident permit;
(9) unless the vehicle is equipped with a spark arrester approved by the United States forest service; provided that a snowmobile is exempt from this provision;
(10) when conditions such as darkness limit visibility to five hundred feet or less, unless the vehicle is equipped with:
(a) one or more headlights of sufficient candlepower to light objects at a distance of one hundred fifty feet; and
(b) at least one taillight of sufficient intensity to exhibit a red or amber light at a distance of two hundred feet under normal atmospheric conditions;
(11) that produces noise that exceeds ninety-six decibels when measured using test procedures established by the society of automotive engineers pursuant to standard J-1287; or
(12) where off-highway motor vehicle traffic is prohibited under local, state or federal rules or regulations.
B. A person under the age of eighteen shall not operate an off-highway motor vehicle:
(1) or ride upon an off-highway motor vehicle without wearing eye protection and a safety helmet that is securely fastened in a normal manner as headgear and that meets the standards established by the department;
(2) without an off-highway motor vehicle safety permit; or
(3) while carrying a passenger.
C. A person under the age of eighteen but at least ten years of age shall not operate an off-highway motor vehicle unless the person is visually supervised at all times by a parent, legal guardian or a person over the age of eighteen who has a valid driver's license. This subsection shall not apply to a person who is at least:
(1) thirteen years of age and has a valid motorcycle license and off-highway motor vehicle safety permit; or
(2) fifteen years of age and has a valid driver's license, instructional permit or provisional license and off-highway motor vehicle safety permit.
D. A person under the age of ten shall not operate an off-highway motor vehicle unless:
(1) the all-terrain vehicle or recreational off-highway vehicle is an age-appropriate size-fit vehicle established by rule of the department; and
(2) the person is visually supervised at all times by a parent, legal guardian or instructor of a safety training course certified by the department.
E. An off-highway motor vehicle shall not be sold or offered for sale if the vehicle produces noise that exceeds ninety-six decibels when measured using test procedures established by the society of automotive engineers pursuant to standard J-1287. This subsection shall not apply to an off-highway motor vehicle that is sold or offered for sale only for organized competition.
Cite this article: FindLaw.com - New Mexico Statutes Chapter 66. Motor Vehicles § 66-3-1010.3. Operation and equipment; safety requirements - last updated January 01, 2024 | https://codes.findlaw.com/nm/chapter-66-motor-vehicles/nm-st-sect-66-3-1010-3/
FindLaw Codes may not reflect the most recent version of the law in your jurisdiction. Please verify the status of the code you are researching with the state legislature or via Westlaw before relying on it for your legal needs.
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