The New Mexico Point System Explained: How to Keep a Clean Driving Record
When you receive your New Mexico driver's license, you're also being enrolled in the state's driver point system. This is the method the Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) uses to track your driving behavior. When you are convicted of a moving traffic violation, a specific number of "demerit points" are added to your official driving record.
Think of it as a score where the goal is to have zero. Accumulating too many points in a short period signals to the state that you may be a high-risk driver, which triggers serious consequences, including the suspension of your driving privileges. For new and experienced drivers alike, understanding this system is crucial for keeping your license safe and your insurance rates down.
How the New Mexico Point System Works
The concept is straightforward: different traffic violations are assigned different point values based on how dangerous they are. Minor infractions carry fewer points, while reckless actions that endanger others carry much higher values.
The critical numbers to remember are 7 and 12.
- If you accumulate between 7 and 11 points within a one-year period, your license may be suspended. You will have the option to request a hearing to contest the suspension.
- If you accumulate 12 or more points within any 12-month period, your driver's license will be automatically revoked.
The 12-month period is a "rolling" window, meaning the MVD looks back at the 12 months from the date of your most recent conviction, not just a simple calendar year.
Do All Tickets Carry Points?
No. Non-moving violations, such as a parking ticket or a citation for a broken headlight, do not add demerit points to your record. The system specifically targets moving violations—actions taken while the vehicle is in motion that violate traffic law. Serious offenses like DWI result in an automatic license revocation and operate outside the standard point system.
Common Violations and Their Point Values
While you don't need to memorize the entire schedule, being familiar with the point values for common offenses can help you understand the serious impact of just a few tickets.
| Violation | MVD Points |
|---|---|
| Reckless Driving | 6 |
| Leaving the scene of an accident | 6 |
| Passing a stopped school bus | 6 |
| Drag racing or street racing | 8 |
| Speeding | |
| Up to 10 mph over the limit | 3 |
| 11 to 25 mph over the limit | 5 |
| 26 mph or more over the limit | 8 |
| Failure to yield right-of-way | 4 |
| Following too closely | 3 |
| Failure to obey a traffic signal (e.g., red light) | 3 |
| Failure to obey a stop sign | 3 |
| Improper turn | 2 |
| Careless driving (under 6 points, at the discretion of the court) | 3 |
As you can see, a single conviction for speeding more than 25 mph over the limit (8 points) combined with a failure to stop at a stop sign (3 points) would put you at 11 points—dangerously close to an automatic revocation.
What Happens When You Accumulate Points?
The consequences of gaining points are progressive and administered by the MVD.
- Conviction: You are found guilty of or plead guilty to a moving violation in court.
- DMV Notification: The court reports the conviction to the NM MVD.
- Points are Added: The MVD adds the corresponding points to your official driving record.
- Warning Letter: If you accumulate 3 to 6 points, the MVD may send you a warning letter to notify you that you are accumulating points.
- Suspension Hearing: If you accumulate 7 to 11 points in a year, the MVD may require you to attend a hearing to determine if your license should be suspended.
- Automatic Revocation: If you hit the 12-point mark in a 12-month period, you will receive a notice from the MVD informing you that your license has been revoked.
Beyond license suspension, accumulating points has another major negative consequence: a significant increase in your car insurance premiums. Insurance companies use your driving record and point total as a primary factor in determining your rates. More points equal higher risk, which equals higher costs for you.
How to Keep a Clean Record and Remove Points
The best strategy is always to drive safely and avoid getting tickets in the first place. However, New Mexico does offer a way to manage your point total.
Attending a Defensive Driving School (DDS)
If you have accumulated points on your record, you may be eligible to attend an MVD-approved Defensive Driving School to have your record reviewed.
- How it works: You can voluntarily attend a DDS course (either online or in a classroom). Upon completion, you can present your certificate to the MVD.
- The Benefit: While completing a DDS course in New Mexico does not automatically remove points, it is looked upon favorably by the MVD. It can be used as a mitigating factor in a suspension hearing and may prevent a suspension for drivers with 7-11 points. Some judges may also dismiss a ticket if you agree to take a DDS course.
- Insurance Discount: Many insurance companies offer a discount on your premium for voluntarily completing a defensive driving course.
How Long Do Points Stay on Your Record?
Points from a specific violation remain "active" on your record for 12 months for the purpose of calculating a suspension. After one year, they no longer count toward the 12-point total. However, the record of the conviction itself remains on your driving history for a much longer period.
Your driving record is a direct reflection of your commitment to safety. By understanding the New Mexico point system and its consequences, you can protect your driving privilege, keep your costs down, and contribute to safer roads for everyone in the Land of Enchantment.
