Distracted driving isn’t just unsafe; it’s against the law. When you take your attention off the road to read or send a message, scroll social media, or interact with your phone in any way, you’re increasing the risk of a crash that can have devastating consequences. In New Mexico, distracted driving laws are designed to reduce those risks and protect everyone who shares the road.

Under New Mexico law, texting while driving is prohibited for all drivers. This includes reading, writing, or sending text messages and any other electronic communications while operating a motor vehicle. The law applies even when you’re stopped at a traffic light or stop sign. If you need to use your phone, you must pull over and stop in a location where it can be used safely.

For commercial motor vehicle drivers, using a handheld mobile communication device while driving is prohibited, with limited exceptions. Drivers holding a learner’s permit or intermediate license are prohibited from talking on a cell phone in addition to texting while driving.

Texting and device use laws are enforced because distraction directly affects reaction time, awareness, and decision-making, many of the same skills impaired by alcohol and drugs. While penalties for distracted driving are typically lower than those for DWI, the consequences of a crash caused by distraction can be just as severe.

Violations may result in fines, points on your driving record, increased insurance costs, and liability if a distracted action leads to a crash. More importantly, distraction can cause serious injury or death to you, your passengers, pedestrians, cyclists, or other drivers.

There are limited exceptions to the law. Drivers may use a phone to summon emergency assistance, and licensed amateur radio operators may use federally authorized equipment. Outside of these exceptions, the safest and legal choice is to keep your phone out of reach and your attention on driving.

There are limited exceptions to the law. Drivers may use a phone to summon emergency assistance, and licensed amateur radio operators may use federally authorized equipment. Outside of these exceptions, the safest and legal choice is to keep your phone out of reach and your attention on driving.

New Mexico also has careless driving laws that require any person operating a vehicle to give their full time and attention to operating the vehicle. Drivers could be charged with a misdemeanor if they operate a vehicle in a careless, inattentive or imprudent manner, and consideration for the width, grade, curves, corners, traffic, weather and road conditions.