New Mexico DUI Laws

One of New Mexico’s top priorities is to put an end to drunk driving. The state has established checkpoints, which allows law enforcement officials to stop drivers at random to determine sobriety. New Mexico’s tactics seem to be working. During the year 2007, New Mexico ranked 33 on the list of states that recorded fatal DUI crash rates. In 2007 in the state of New Mexico, 155 people died in fatal DUI accidents compared to 1,544 in California, 1,509 in Texas, and 1,111 in Florida.

What is the blood alcohol content level (BAC) limit in the state of New Mexico?

In the state of New Mexico, it is a crime to operate a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content level (BAC) of 0.08% or higher. Sentence enhancements exist for cases involving a BAC of 0.15% or higher.

In the state of New Mexico what is the administrative license suspension period for a first offense?

In the state of New Mexico, if you get arrested for DUI, the administrative license suspension time for a first offense is 90 days. During the 90-day suspension period, the driver may obtain a limited license after 30 days.

In the state of New Mexico, what are the penalties for a first DUI offense? Second offense?

A first drunk driving conviction in New Mexico carries a penalty of up to 3 months in jail and a $500 fine. Your license will be suspended for up to 6 months. A second offense carries a mandatory jail sentence of 4 days in jail up to a maximum of 364 days, a $500 fine, completion of a court-ordered substance abuse program, and license suspension no less than 6 months. Third DUI convictions carry a mandatory 30-day jail sentence up to 364 days and a $750-$1,000 fine. The judge may also order community service, license suspension of no less than 12 months, alcohol treatment, and interlock at your own expense.

A fourth DUI conviction is a 4th degree felony. You will have to spend a minimum of 6 months in jail up to 18 months.