How Driver Points Work in New Mexico
How the New Mexico point system works, points for speeding, how long points last, and whether traffic school helps.
Short answer: New Mexico uses a point system. If a driver's points reach 12 or more for violations within 12 consecutive months, the MVD suspends the license for 12 months. 18.19.5.54–.55 NMAC (2023); New Mexico Driver Manual
| Point system | New Mexico uses a point system. If a driver's points reach 12 or more for violations within 12 consecutive months, the MVD suspends the license for 12 months. If a driver has 7 to 10 points within one year and a municipal or magistrate judge recommends it, the MVD suspends the license for up to three months. |
|---|---|
| Points for speeding | Speeding 6 to 15 mph over the limit is 3 points; 16 to 25 mph over is 5 points; 26 mph or more over is 8 points. (Where the posted limit is other than 15, 30 or 75 mph, these apply when the speed was at least 76 mph.) Source: 18.19.5.52 NMAC (2023) |
| How long points last | Points are kept for one year from the date of the violation and are automatically expunged at the end of the twelfth month after the month in which the violation occurred. For DWIs: the Motor Vehicle Division says DWI convictions cited on or after June 17, 2005 stay on the driving record for 55 years (https://www.mvd.newmexico.gov/dwi-faq/). |
Where to get help in New Mexico
More New Mexico traffic tickets & dui
- Reinstating a Driver's License in New Mexico
- DUI Laws in New Mexico
- Paying or Contesting a Traffic Ticket in New Mexico
- All New Mexico traffic tickets & dui rules
FAQ
How does the driver point system work in New Mexico?
New Mexico uses a point system. If a driver's points reach 12 or more for violations within 12 consecutive months, the MVD suspends the license for 12 months. If a driver has 7 to 10 points within one year and a municipal or magistrate judge recommends it, the MVD suspends the license for up to three months.
How many points is a speeding ticket in New Mexico?
Speeding 6 to 15 mph over the limit is 3 points; 16 to 25 mph over is 5 points; 26 mph or more over is 8 points. (Where the posted limit is other than 15, 30 or 75 mph, these apply when the speed was at least 76 mph.)
How long do points stay on your license in New Mexico?
Points are kept for one year from the date of the violation and are automatically expunged at the end of the twelfth month after the month in which the violation occurred.
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.