SR-22 Insurance in New Mexico

New Mexico may require persons convicted of certain motor vehicle offenses, or who have failed to pay accident judgments or settlements, to file evidence of financial responsibility with the MVD, by filing evidence of an insurance policy, a surety bond, or a certificate of a cash deposit. The MVD may waive the filing requirement after one year of providing satisfactory evidence, unless an accident claim is pending or a judgment is unpaid.

Driving, or allowing the driving of, an uninsured vehicle is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $300, up to 90 days in jail, or both; a person is not convicted if they produce in court evidence of insurance valid when the citation was issued. A driver cited after an accident has the license plate removed and receives a 30-day temporary operation sticker; the plate is returned after proof of insurance and a $25 reinstatement fee (waived if proof of coverage in effect at the time is provided within 15 days). If the IIDB shows a vehicle as uninsured, the MVD sends a verification letter and, if not resolved within 30 days, suspends the registration; the owner must return the registration and plate within ten days of the suspension notice.