The New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division will no longer suspend driver’s licenses of people who failed to appear in court or failed to pay fines and fees for traffic violations, according to a press release from the MVD.
It is one of four motor vehicle laws that took effect Friday, June 16. They were signed earlier this year by N.M. Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham.
The law states by Sept. 1, the MVD must restore driving privileges for drivers whose licenses were suspended solely for failure to appear in court or failure to pay a fine. The citations or fines will remain on the drivers’ record and the individual will still need to fulfill any court orders that are related to the case.
If a drive
r’s license expired during the suspension, the individual will have to pay for a new license. If their licenses have expired for five years or more, they will need to go through the testing process, as well.
Another MVD law that went into effect eliminates the health standards advisory board that reviews reports from doctors related to medical and vision restrictions for licenses. Now, MVD agents will be able to accept the reports and issue credentials rather than needing approval from the advisory board.
The change will allow quicker processing of credentials for drivers 79 years old and older, and other drivers required to submit vision or medical reports.
Another law will allow homeless individuals to acquire an identification card without paying a fee.
Disabled veterans will now be able to purchase additional disabled veteran license plates. Disabled veterans will continue to receive up to two plates free of charge.
Other MVD legislation will go into effect July 1, including:
- The annual motorcycle registration fee will increase from $15 to $20.
- A new law which prohibits the sale of a motor vehicle by a person who is not the owner of the vehicle or a registered dealer. It also prohibits “off-site” vehicle sales by licensed dealers.
- Three laws will create new specialty license plates. One plate supports the Future Farmers of America, another will recognize the family and friends of law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty and one advocates driver safety awareness and supporting New Mexico miners.
Jesse Jones lives in Albuquerque with his wife and son. Jesse graduated from of the University of New Mexico twice. This spring, he graduated with a degree in multimedia journalism and, in 2006, he received a bachelor’s degree in university studies with an emphasis in photojournalism. He is a current fellow of the New Mexico Local News Fund.
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April 25, 2024
