2021 New Mexico Statutes
Chapter 66 - Motor Vehicles
Article 7 - Traffic Laws; Signs, Signals and Markings; Accidents; Weight and Size; Traffic Safety
Part 4 - TRAFFIC LAWS GENERALLY
Section 66-7-329 - Vehicles turning left at intersection.

The driver of a vehicle within an intersection intending to turn to the left shall yield the right-of-way to any vehicle approaching from the opposite direction which is within the intersection or so close thereto as to constitute an immediate hazard, but said driver, having so yielded and having given a signal when and as required by the Motor Vehicle Code [66-1-1 NMSA 1978], may make such left turn and the drivers of all other vehicles approaching the intersection from said opposite direction shall yield the right-of-way to the vehicle making the left turn.

History: 1953 Comp., § 64-7-329, enacted by Laws 1978, ch. 35, § 433.

Cross references. — For the penalty assessment for violation, see 66-8-116 NMSA 1978.

Negligence per se if left-turning vehicle's failure to yield hazardous. — Where appellees' vehicle was some 40 to 50 feet east of the intersection, traveling 25 to 30 miles per hour, as the left turn was started, appellant was legally bound to look and see westbound traffic so near the intersection and yield the right-of-way. She admittedly failed to do so, and a violation of the proper standards of conduct was negligence per se. Danz v. Kennon, 1957-NMSC-090, 63 N.M. 274, 317 P.2d 321.

Am. Jur. 2d, A.L.R. and C.J.S. references. — 7A Am. Jur. 2d Automobiles and Highway Traffic § 238.

Cutting corners as negligence, 115 A.L.R. 1178.

Rights and liabilities as between drivers of motor vehicles proceeding in the same direction, where one or both attempt to pass on left of another vehicle so proceeding, 27 A.L.R.2d 317.

Liability for accident arising from failure of motorist to give signal for left turn at intersection, as against motor vehicle proceeding in same direction, 39 A.L.R.2d 15.

Liability for accident arising from failure of motorist to give signal for left turn at intersection, as against oncoming or intersecting motor vehicle, 39 A.L.R.2d 65.

Liability for accident arising from failure of motorist to give signal for left turn between intersections, 39 A.L.R.2d 103.

What is street or highway intersection within traffic rules, 7 A.L.R.3d 1204.

60A C.J.S. Motor Vehicles §§ 365 to 367.