Everything You Need to Know About New Mexico Cell Phone Laws

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In today’s society, it seems like everyone spends most of their time looking down at their cell phones. While the internet, technology, and cell phones have made it easier than ever to connect with the people in your life, there is a time and a place where it is appropriate to ignore your surroundings and focus on your phone, and driving a vehicle is not one of them. Talking on the phone or answering a text while you’re on the road may seem innocent enough, but it can lead to serious consequences for you and others. In today’s post, we will discuss everything you need to know about New Mexico cell phone laws so that you can stay informed and drive a little safer.

At MVD Express, we take pride in the work we do for residents of New Mexico. We offer all of the MVD services you need for your vehicle, as well as tips that can help make your experience behind the wheel not only enjoyable, but also safe. Find more tips in our blog and be sure to schedule an appointment for your driver’s license renewal, VIN inspections, and more at an MVD Express location near you.

Talking on the Phone

We’ve all been in a situation where a parent or a friend calls us while we’re on the road, and for many years it was perfectly legal to pick up the phone and talk while you drive. As it stands currently in New Mexico, it is still legal for those driving passenger vehicles to use a handheld device to talk on the phone. However, those driving commercial vehicles are prohibited from operating all handheld mobile devices. Thankfully, most vehicles have updated with the times, and most new cars will come equipped with Bluetooth© enabled devices that allow you to connect to your phone and make calls through the car’s speakers. This helps to eliminate any need to hold your phone up to your ear, making it that much safer to drive.

With all of that in mind, certain cities in New Mexico have taken it upon themselves to adapt their city laws to prohibit the use of handheld devices for all drivers. For example, in 2016, the town of Silver City outlawed drivers from holding cellphones while behind the wheel, and stated that those caught driving with cell phones in hand would face a $500 fine. Other local authorities to enforce the prohibited use of handheld devices while driving include:

  • Albuquerque
  • Santa Fe
  • Las Cruces
  • Gallup
  • Taos
  • Espanola

Texting and Driving

Texting and driving is another way in which cell phones have distracted drivers and made the roadways less safe. When you’re trying to text and drive at the same time, you are not giving your full attention to the road, which can lead to accidents, and in some cases, death. For this reason, many states have outlawed texting and driving, and in 2014, New Mexico became the 42nd state to create this law for all drivers. Since then, the law has adapted to include not only texting and typing on mobile devices, but also the use of the internet while behind the wheel.

Avoid Distracted Driving

Cell phones aren’t the only cause of distracted driving while you’re on the road, but they are one of the biggest problems. No text message is worth someone’s life, and avoiding distracted driving of any kind of the utmost importance. If you would like to learn more about distracted driving and how you can prevent it, check out parts one and two of a previous series.

Learn More at MVD Express

Our team at MVD Express is dedicated to providing you with excellent services, friendly staff, consistently shorter wait times, and more information about how you can make your time on the road as safe as possible. If you are interested in learning more, or you would like to schedule an appointment, then contact one of our many MVD Express locations throughout New Mexico.

We look forward to helping you!

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