Motorcycle Laws & Licensing for New Mexico, United States

• Table of Contents
• 1. Introduction
• 2. New Mexico Motorcycle Insurance
• 3. New Mexico Motorcycle Helmet Laws
• 4. New Mexico Motorcycle License Laws
• 4.1 New Mexico Motorcycle Instructional Permit
• 4.2 New Mexico Motorcycle Endorsement
• 4.3 New Mexico Motorcycle License Test
• 5. New Mexico Motorcycle Passenger Laws
• 6. New Mexico Motorcycle Lane Splitting Laws
• 7. New Mexico Motorcycle Safety Features
• 8. Sources

1. Introduction

Operating a motorcycle instills a sense of freedom that cannot quite be achieved when driving a car or truck. However, it also takes considerable skill to handle a two-wheeled vehicle since it lacks the protective measures other vehicles have. A motorcyclist’s skills can be honed if they have a solid grasp on motorcycle laws and the licensing process. But it depends on which state the rider travels through as every region in the United States differs when it comes to restrictions on motorcyclist behavior

Any novice motorcyclists, out-of-state tourists, or experienced riders looking to brush up on the rules of the road will need to study the motorcycle laws and licensing process for New Mexico. This will ensure that any motorcycle trips through this state will be as smooth and uneventful as possible.

2. New Mexico Motorcycle Insurance

You are required to own New Mexico motorcycle insurance shortly after completing registration of your vehicle. This ensures that you can be held financially responsible if you are involved in an accident that causes considerable harm to another driver’s health and/or property. You must always carry documentation that proves you own New Mexico motorcycle insurance.

Your liability insurance coverage must be able to cover the minimum costs for the following accident-related fees:

• $25,000 for bodily injury to a person per accident
• $50,000 for bodily injuries to multiple people per accident
• $10,000 for property damages sustained per accident

Because the required New Mexico motorcycle insurance only pays compensation to another party, you may want to consider getting optional insurance coverage to help protect your health and vehicle:

• Collision coverage
• Uninsured coverage
• Underinsured coverage
• Comprehensive coverage
• Custom parts and equipment coverage

3. New Mexico Motorcycle Helmet Laws

If you are under the age of 18, you are required by law to wear a motorcycle helmet while riding a two-wheeled vehicle. If you are a legal adult, you have the option of going without a motorcycle helmet. However, it is recommended you always have headgear on to prevent serious or fatal head injuries in case of an accident.

To give you an idea of how effective motorcycle helmets are, here are some statistics in recent years related to New Mexico:

• Wearing a motorcycle helmet reduces the chances of dying in an accident by 37%.
• Wearing a motorcycle helmet reduces the chances of serious head injuries in an accident by 69%.
• In 2014, about 44 motorcyclists died in accidents and made up about 11% of vehicle fatalities in New Mexico.
• In 2019, about 42 of over 5,000 motorcycle fatalities throughout the United States occurred in New Mexico.

An approved motorcycle helmet must meet the safety standards set by the U.S. Department of Transportation. You will know it is manufactured correctly if it has labels from the American National Standards Institute or the Snell Memorial Foundation.

There are two types of motorcycle helmets to choose from: three-quarter or full-face helmets. Depending on which one you choose, it must have the following features below:

There are two types of motorcycle helmets to choose from: three-quarter or full-face helmets. Depending on which one you choose, it must have the following features below:

• Uninsured coverage
• Underinsured coverage
• Collision coverage
• Comprehensive coverage

4. New Mexico Motorcycle License Laws

4.1 New Mexico Motorcycle Instructional Permit

When you have reached the age of 15, you are allowed to apply for a New Mexico motorcycle instructional permit.

You will have to pay a fee of $10 to complete the process of getting a motorcycle instructional permit

During the application process, make sure that you have met or can complete the following requirements:

• Completed an approved Driver Education Course provided by the Traffic Safety Bureau
• Provide proof of I.D.
• Provide proof of New Mexico residency
• Provide proof of New Mexico motorcycle insurance
• Pass the vision exam
• Pass the written exam*
• Or show a Certificate of Completion from a Motor Vehicle Division-contracted driver education school*

A rider in possession of a motorcycle instructional permit is only allowed to operate a motorcycle if he/she complies with these criteria:

• You can only drive on public highways if accompanied by at least a 21-year-old or older who has held a valid New Mexico motorcycle license for at least three years
• You cannot carry any other passengers besides your supervisor

4.2 New Mexico Motorcycle Endorsement

When you have reached the age of 15 ^½, you are allowed to apply for a motorcycle endorsement for your New Mexico driver’s license.

You must pay a fee of $18 for a four-year license or $34 for an eight-year license to complete the process of getting a motorcycle endorsement.

Listed below are the requirements you will need to fulfill to obtain a New Mexico motorcycle license. Depending on your age when you approach the final step, the list of criteria may differ between motorcyclists:

*Because the MSF Basic Rider Course is mandatory for minors, the motorcycle license test is waived for them.

*Passing an MSF Basic Rider Course is optional for any adults at least or over the age of 18. However, if they submit proof of completing a MSF Basic Rider Course, they are given the option of skipping the motorcycle license test.

*When providing proof of current residence in New Mexico, you will need to submit at least two legal documents.

4.3 New Mexico Motorcycle License Test

Written Portion:

• Will be done on touch-screen computers
• Complete 25 multiple-choice questions
• Questions based on the New Mexico MVD Driver Manual
• Requires a passing grade of 72% or higher

Riding Portion:

• Will either be conducted on a closed course or on streets surrounding testing location

  Examiner will confirm insurance and registration

• Examiner will inspect motorcycle to confirm it meets safety standards
• Perform basic maneuvers such as turns, stops, etc.
• If you fail the test, you must wait a week to try again

5. New Mexico Motorcycle Passenger Laws

There is no minimum age requirement for motorcycle passengers in New Mexico. However, if your motorcycle passenger is below the age of 18, he/she is required to wear an approved motorcycle helmet like you.

Though your passenger is not in control of the motorcycle, he/she is still susceptible to the same traffic laws as you. To lower the chance of an accident, your passenger has to behave appropriately and follow your movements to help your motorcycle’s performance.

It is only legal to transport another person on your motorcycle if there are a designated passenger seat and footrests which ensure your passenger stays safe and secure.

Make sure that the passenger seat is located in one of the following positions and that the passenger complies with the following rules:

• The passenger is seated in a driver’s saddle big enough to fit two people
• Or the passenger is seated in a separate saddle near the rear
• Or the passenger is seated in a sidecar
• There are adjustable footholds the passenger can reach
• The passenger is facing forward with a leg hanging on each side
• The passenger cannot hold packages that could obstruct the driver
• The passenger can understand and follow your directions

6. New Mexico Motorcycle Lane Splitting Laws

Lane splitting is declared illegal within New Mexico. Because motorcyclists are prohibited from engaging in any form of lane splitting, that means they cannot attempt any of the following while on a road, highway, or freeway:

• You cannot ride on top of the dividing lines between lanes
• You cannot ride in between adjacent rows of vehicles that are stopped
• You cannot overtake another vehicle sharing the same lane

This is implemented not to limit the freedom of motorcyclists, but to promote safe behavior while traveling through New Mexico. That being said, motorcyclists are allowed to maneuver on streets laned for traffic in ways that other vehicles cannot:

• You are entitled to full use of the space within your current lane
• You can only share a lane with another motorcycle if:
• Both parties stay apart at least two abreast
• Both parties consent beforehand

7. New Mexico Motorcycle Safety Features

At any time, your motorcycle can be subject to random inspections so you must make sure that the vehicle is always in good working condition. For your motorcycle to be considered street legal in New Mexico, it must be outfitted with the following equipment:

• Horn
• Wheels
• Tires
• Handlebars
• Brake system
• Controls
• Headlights
• Taillight
• Brake light
• Reflector
• Exhaust system
• Muffler
• Rearview mirror
• Turn signals
• Spark arrestor

8. Sources

www.vikingbags.com
888-208-1949
391 Thor Pl,
Brea, CA 92821