2016 New Mexico Statutes
Chapter 66 - Motor Vehicles
Article 3 - Registration Laws; Security Interests; Anti-Theft Provisions; Bicycles; Equipment; Unsafe Vehicles; Off-Highway Motor Vehicles; Other Vehicles
Part 11 - OFF-HIGHWAY MOTOR VEHICLES
Section 66-3-1011 - Operation on streets or highways; prohibited areas.

66-3-1011. Operation on streets or highways; prohibited areas.

A. A person shall not operate an off-highway motor vehicle on any:

(1) limited access highway or freeway at any time; or

(2) paved street or highway except as provided in Subsection B, C or D of this section.

B. Off-highway motor vehicles may cross streets or highways, except limited access highways or freeways, if the crossings are made after coming to a complete stop prior to entering the roadway. Off-highway motor vehicles shall yield the right of way to oncoming traffic and shall begin a crossing only when it can be executed safely and then cross in the most direct manner as close to a perpendicular angle as possible.

C. If authorized by ordinance or resolution of a local authority or the state transportation commission, a recreational off-highway vehicle or an all-terrain vehicle may be operated on a paved street or highway owned and controlled by the authorizing entity if:

(1) the vehicle has one or more headlights and one or more taillights that comply with the Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Act;

(2) the vehicle has brakes, mirrors and mufflers;

(3) the operator has a valid driver's license, instruction permit or provisional license and an off-highway motor vehicle safety permit;

(4) the operator is insured in compliance with the provisions of the Mandatory Financial Responsibility Act [66-5-201 through 66-5-239 NMSA 1978]; and

(5) the operator of the vehicle is wearing eye protection and a safety helmet that comply with the Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Act.

D. By ordinance or resolution, a local authority or state transportation commission may establish separate speed limits and operating restrictions for off-highway vehicles where they are authorized to operate on paved streets or highways pursuant to Subsection C of this section.

E. A person shall not operate an off-highway motor vehicle on state game commission-owned, -controlled or -administered land except as specifically allowed pursuant to Chapter 17, Article 6 NMSA 1978.

F. A person shall not operate an off-highway motor vehicle on land owned, controlled or administered by the state parks division of the energy, minerals and natural resources department, pursuant to Chapter 16, Article 2 NMSA 1978, except in areas designated by and permitted by rules adopted by the secretary of energy, minerals and natural resources.

G. Unless authorized, a person shall not:

(1) remove, deface or destroy any official sign installed by a state, federal, local or private land management agency; or

(2) install any off-highway motor vehicle-related sign.

History: 1953 Comp., 64-42-11, enacted by Laws 1975, ch. 240, 11; recompiled as 1953 Comp., 64-3-1011, by Laws 1978, ch. 35, 207; 1985, ch. 189, 11; 2005, ch. 325, 14; 2009, ch. 53, 7; 2016, ch. 91, 1.