New Mexico DUI Laws and Information
New Mexico’s Governor, Bill Richardson, knows that drinking and driving is a big problem in his state. In 2006, the University of New Mexico Division of Government Research published DUI information that found that 42% of all of New Mexico’s fatal crashes involved the use of alcohol. They also found that a person is injured every 4.5 hours in an alcohol-related crash, and that 52% of all alcohol-related fatal crashes occurs on weekends. Since Governor Richardson described the New Mexico DUI problem as the state’s “top priority,” he has encouraged efforts needed to educate the public regarding drinking and driving, as well as promoted legislation that has brought stricter DUI laws.
In 2009, New Mexico passed Senate Bill 275, entitled “Interlocks & DWI License Reinstatement.” This DWI law stipulates that drivers who have been convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs will be required to have an ignition interlock device (IID) installed in their car before their driver’s license will be reinstated.
But probably the most successful campaign aimed at eradicating drunk driving is New Mexico’s “Operation DWI.” What started as a 10-day operation in December 1993 is now held six times every year for two weeks at a time, and consists of between 75 and 100 sobriety checkpoints all over the state. During the months of Operation DWI, it has been found that the number of New Mexico DUI crashes and crash deaths is reduced by 27%.
In New Mexico it is illegal to be driving with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level of.08 or higher. If you are under the age of 21, the legal BAC level drops to.02. And, if you are a commercial driver, your BAC limit is.04. But don’t refuse to take the blood, breath, or urine chemical test used to calculate your BAC, because the DUI penalties for refusal are often more harsh than if you had a DUI conviction in the first place. For example, the arresting officer will confiscate your driver’s license and it will be suspended – automatically – for a period of 1 year. Also be aware that driving with a license that has been revoked or suspended can bring a jail sentence of from 7 days to 1 year, fines from $300 to $1,000, as well as the further loss of your license.
Some of the circumstances that would make any DUI in New Mexico aggravated include a BAC of .16 or more, driving with a minor in the vehicle, having an accident that caused bodily injury, death, or sizeable property damage, as well as the refusal to take a BAC test. An aggravated DUI always brings harsher penalties. To protect yourself, contact a DWI lawyer who can make a life-changing difference.
MyDUIAttorney.org is a directory of qualified attorneys, lawyers and firms who deal with drunk driving cases and help defend those charged with a DUI offense. The directory provides a source of marketing and lead generation for these attorneys, lawyers and law firms, making it easy for DUI offenders to search and contact qualified professionals who can help them.
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