reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 New Mexico Statutes › Chapter 66 - Motor Vehicles › Article 3 - Registration Laws; Security Interests; Anti-Theft Provisions; Bicycles; Equipment; Unsafe Vehicles; Off-Highway Motor Vehicles; Other Vehicles › Part 9 - EQUIPMENT › Section 66-3-807 - Stop lamps and turn signals required on designated vehicles.

A. From and after January 1, 1954, it shall be unlawful for any person to sell any new motor vehicle, including any motorcycle, in this state or for any person to drive such vehicle on the highways unless it is equipped with at least one stop lamp meeting the requirements of Section 66-3-828 NMSA 1978.
B. No person shall sell or offer for sale or operate on the highways any motor vehicle, trailer, semitrailer or house trailer registered in this state which was manufactured or assembled after January 1, 1954, unless it is equipped with mechanical or electric turn signals meeting the requirements of Section 66-3-828 NMSA 1978. This subsection shall not apply to any motorcycle.
History:
1953 Comp., § 64-3-807, enacted by Laws 1978, ch. 35, § 113; 1981, ch. 361, § 14.
2023 New Mexico Statutes › Chapter 66 - Motor Vehicles › Article 3 - Registration Laws; Security Interests; Anti-Theft Provisions; Bicycles; Equipment; Unsafe Vehicles; Off-Highway Motor Vehicles; Other Vehicles › Part 9 - EQUIPMENT › Section 66-3-808 - Application of succeeding sections.

Sections 66-3-809, 66-3-810, 66-3-816, 66-3-822 and 66-3-823 NMSA 1978 shall apply in lieu of Sections 66-3-804 through 66-3-806 NMSA 1978 as to passenger buses, trucks, truck tractors, road tractors, and such trailers, semitrailers and pole trailers provided for therein, when operated upon any highway, and said vehicles shall be equipped as required. All lamp equipment required shall be lighted at the times mentioned in Section 66-3-802 NMSA 1978.
History:
1953 Comp., § 64-3-808, enacted by Laws 1978, ch. 35, § 114.
ANNOTATIONS
Am. Jur. 2d, A.L.R. and C.J.S. references.
— 7A Am. Jur. 2d Automobiles and Highway Traffic § 192.
2023 New Mexico Statutes › Chapter 66 - Motor Vehicles › Article 3 - Registration Laws; Security Interests; Anti-Theft Provisions; Bicycles; Equipment; Unsafe Vehicles; Off-Highway Motor Vehicles; Other Vehicles › Part 9 - EQUIPMENT › Section 66-3-809 - Additional equipment required on certain vehicles.

Every bus or truck less than eighty inches in overall width shall be equipped as follows:
A. on the front: two headlamps; and
B. on the rear: one red tail lamp; one red or amber stop lamp; two red reflectors, one at each side.
History:
1953 Comp., § 64-3-809, enacted by Laws 1978, ch. 35, § 115.
ANNOTATIONS
Cross references.
— For the definition of "bus",
see
66-1-4.2 NMSA 1978.
For the definition of "truck",
see
66-1-4.17 NMSA 1978.
For reflector mounting requirements,
see
66-3-816 NMSA 1978.
2023 New Mexico Statutes › Chapter 66 - Motor Vehicles › Article 3 - Registration Laws; Security Interests; Anti-Theft Provisions; Bicycles; Equipment; Unsafe Vehicles; Off-Highway Motor Vehicles; Other Vehicles › Part 9 - EQUIPMENT › Section 66-3-810 - Color of clearance lamps, side-marker lamps and reflectors.

Every bus or truck eighty inches or more in overall width shall be equipped as follows:
A. on the front: two headlamps; two amber clearance lamps, one at each side;
B. on the rear: one red tail lamp; one red or amber stop lamp; two red clearance lamps, one at each side; two red reflectors, one at each side;
C. all lighting devices and reflectors mounted on the rear of any vehicle shall display or reflect a red color, except the stop light or other signal device, which may be red, amber or yellow, and except that the light illuminating the license plate shall be white and the light emitted by a back-up lamp shall be white or amber; and
D. on each side: one amber side-marker lamp, located at or near the front; one red side-marker lamp, located at or near the rear; one amber reflector, located at or near the front; one red reflector, located at or near the rear.
History:
1953 Comp., § 64-3-810, enacted by Laws 1978, ch. 35, § 116.
ANNOTATIONS
Cross references.
— For the definition of "bus",
see
66-1-4.2 NMSA 1978.
For the definition of "truck",
see
66-1-4.17 NMSA 1978.
For reflector mounting requirements,
see
66-3-816 NMSA 1978.
2023 New Mexico Statutes › Chapter 66 - Motor Vehicles › Article 3 - Registration Laws; Security Interests; Anti-Theft Provisions; Bicycles; Equipment; Unsafe Vehicles; Off-Highway Motor Vehicles; Other Vehicles › Part 9 - EQUIPMENT › Section 66-3-811 - Lamps and reflectors; truck tractors and road tractors.

Every truck tractor and road tractor shall be equipped as follows:
A. on the front: two headlamps; two amber clearance lamps, one at each side; and
B. on the rear: one red tail lamp; one red or amber stop lamp.
History:
1953 Comp., § 64-3-811, enacted by Laws 1978, ch. 35, § 117.
ANNOTATIONS
Cross references.
— For the definition of "road tractor",
see
66-1-4.15 NMSA 1978.
For the definition of "truck tractor",
see
66-1-4.17 NMSA 1978.
2023 New Mexico Statutes › Chapter 66 - Motor Vehicles › Article 3 - Registration Laws; Security Interests; Anti-Theft Provisions; Bicycles; Equipment; Unsafe Vehicles; Off-Highway Motor Vehicles; Other Vehicles › Part 9 - EQUIPMENT › Section 66-3-812 - Lamps and reflectors; large semitrailers, full trailers and house trailers.

A. Every semitrailer, full trailer or house trailer eighty inches or more in overall width shall be equipped as follows:
(1) on the front: two amber clearance lamps, one at each side;
(2) on the rear: one red tail lamp; one red or amber stop lamp; two red clearance lamps, one at each side; two red reflectors, one at each side; and
(3) on each side: one amber side-marker lamp, located at or near the front; one red side-marker lamp, located at or near the rear; one amber reflector, located at or near the front; one red reflector, located at or near the rear.
B. Side-marker lamps may be in combination with clearance lamps and may use the same light source.
History:
1953 Comp., § 64-3-812, enacted by Laws 1978, ch. 35, § 118.
ANNOTATIONS
Cross references.
— For the definition of "house trailer",
see
66-1-4.8 NMSA 1978.
For the definition of "semitrailer",
see
66-1-4.16 NMSA 1978.
For the definition of "trailer",
see
66-1-4.17 NMSA 1978.
2023 New Mexico Statutes › Chapter 66 - Motor Vehicles › Article 3 - Registration Laws; Security Interests; Anti-Theft Provisions; Bicycles; Equipment; Unsafe Vehicles; Off-Highway Motor Vehicles; Other Vehicles › Part 9 - EQUIPMENT › Section 66-3-813 - Lamps and reflectors, small semitrailers, house trailers and trailers.

Every semitrailer, house trailer or trailer less than eighty inches in overall width shall be equipped as follows: on the rear: one red tail lamp; two red reflectors, one at each side; one red or amber stop lamp, if the semitrailer, house trailer or trailer obscures the stop lamp on the towing vehicle.
History:
1953 Comp., § 64-3-813, enacted by Laws 1978, ch. 35, § 119.
ANNOTATIONS
Cross references.
— For the definition of "house trailer",
see
66-1-4.8 NMSA 1978.
For the definition of "semitrailer",
see
66-1-4.16 NMSA 1978.
For the definition of "trailer",
see
66-1-4.17 NMSA 1978.
2023 New Mexico Statutes › Chapter 66 - Motor Vehicles › Article 3 - Registration Laws; Security Interests; Anti-Theft Provisions; Bicycles; Equipment; Unsafe Vehicles; Off-Highway Motor Vehicles; Other Vehicles › Part 9 - EQUIPMENT › Section 66-3-814 - Lamps and reflectors, pole trailers.

Every pole trailer shall be equipped as follows:
A. on the rear: one red tail lamp, two red reflectors, one at each side; placed to indicate extreme width of the pole trailer; and
B. on each side, on the rearmost support for the load: one combination marker lamp showing amber to the front and red to the side and rear, mounted to indicate the maximum width of the pole trailer; and red reflector, located at or near the rear; and on pole trailers thirty feet or more in overall length, an amber marker lamp on each side near the center.
History:
1953 Comp., § 64-3-814, enacted by Laws 1978, ch. 35, § 120.
ANNOTATIONS
Cross references.
— For definition of "pole trailer",
see
66-1-4.14 NMSA 1978.
2023 New Mexico Statutes › Chapter 66 - Motor Vehicles › Article 3 - Registration Laws; Security Interests; Anti-Theft Provisions; Bicycles; Equipment; Unsafe Vehicles; Off-Highway Motor Vehicles; Other Vehicles › Part 9 - EQUIPMENT › Section 66-3-815 - Lamps and reflectors, combinations in driveaway-towaway operations.

Combinations of motor vehicles, as enumerated in Section 66-3-808 NMSA 1978, engaged in driveway-towaway [driveaway-towaway] operations shall be equipped as follows:
A. on the towing vehicle:
(1) on the front, two head lamps and two amber clearance lamps, one at each side;
(2) on each side and near the front, one amber side-marker lamp;
(3) on the rear, one red tail lamp; one red or amber stop lamp; and
(4) provided, however, that vehicles of less than eighty inches in width shall be equipped as provided in Section 66-3-809 NMSA 1978;
B. on the towed vehicle of a tow-bar combination, the towed vehicle of a single saddle-mount combination and on the rearmost towed vehicle of a double saddle-mount combination:
(1) on each side, and near the rear, one red side-marker lamp; and
(2) on the rear, one red tail lamp; two red clearance lamps, one at each side; one red or amber stop lamp; two red reflectors, one at each side;
C. on the first saddle-mounted of a double saddle-mount combination: on each side, and near the rear, one amber side-marker lamp; and
D. combinations of vehicles less than eighty inches in width in driveaway-towaway operations shall carry lamp and reflectors as required in Section 66-3-809 NMSA 1978.
History:
1953 Comp., § 64-3-815, enacted by Laws 1978, ch. 35, § 121.
ANNOTATIONS
Bracketed material.
— The bracketed material in this section was inserted by the compiler. It was not enacted by the legislature, and it is not part of the law.
2023 New Mexico Statutes › Chapter 66 - Motor Vehicles › Article 3 - Registration Laws; Security Interests; Anti-Theft Provisions; Bicycles; Equipment; Unsafe Vehicles; Off-Highway Motor Vehicles; Other Vehicles › Part 9 - EQUIPMENT › Section 66-3-816 - Mounting of reflectors, clearance lamps and side-marker lamps.

A. Reflectors required by Sections 66-3-809 and 66-3-810 NMSA 1978 shall be mounted upon the motor vehicle at a height of not less than twenty-four inches nor more than sixty inches above the ground on which the motor vehicle stands, except that reflectors shall be mounted as high as practicable on motor vehicles which are so constructed as to make compliance with the twenty-four-inch requirements impractical. They shall be so installed as to perform their function adequately and reliably and, except for temporary reflectors required for vehicles in driveaway-towaway operations, all reflectors shall be permanently and securely mounted in workmanlike manner so as to provide the maximum of stability, and the minimum likelihood of damage. Required reflectors otherwise properly mounted may be securely installed on flexible strapping or belting provided that under conditions of normal operation they reflect light in the required directions. Required temporary reflectors mounted on motor vehicles during the time they are in transit in any driveaway-towaway operation must be firmly attached.
B. All reflectors on the rear and those nearest to the rear on the sides, except those referred to in Subsection C of this section, shall reflect a red color; all other reflectors, except those referred to in Subsection C of this section, shall reflect an amber color; provided that this requirement shall not be construed to prohibit the use of motor vehicles in combination if such motor vehicles are severally equipped with reflectors as required by Sections 66-3-809 through 66-3-815 NMSA 1978.
C. Retroreflective surfaces, other than required reflectors, may be used, provided:
(1) designs do not resemble traffic control signs, lights or devices, except that straight edge stripping resembling a barricade pattern may be used;
(2) designs do not tend to distort the length or width of the motor vehicle;
(3) such surfaces shall be at least three inches from any required lamp or reflector unless of the same color as such lamp or reflector;
(4) no red color shall be used on the front of any motor vehicle; and
(5) no provision of this subsection shall be so construed as to prohibit the use of retroreflective registration plates required by any state or local authorities.
History:
1953 Comp., § 64-3-816, enacted by Laws 1978, ch. 35, § 122.
2023 New Mexico Statutes › Chapter 66 - Motor Vehicles › Article 3 - Registration Laws; Security Interests; Anti-Theft Provisions; Bicycles; Equipment; Unsafe Vehicles; Off-Highway Motor Vehicles; Other Vehicles › Part 9 - EQUIPMENT › Section 66-3-817 - Clearance lamps to indicate extreme width, height and length.

Clearance lamps shall, so far as is practicable, be mounted as to indicate the extreme width, height and length of the motor vehicle; except that clearance lamps on truck tractors shall be so located as to indicate the extreme width of the truck-tractor cab.
History:
1941 Comp., § 68-2517, enacted by Laws 1953, ch. 139, § 131.1; 1953 Comp., § 64-20-17; recompiled as 1953 Comp., § 64-3-817, by Laws 1978, ch. 35, § 123.
ANNOTATIONS
Cross references.
— For definition of "truck tractor",
see
66-1-4.17 NMSA 1978.
2023 New Mexico Statutes › Chapter 66 - Motor Vehicles › Article 3 - Registration Laws; Security Interests; Anti-Theft Provisions; Bicycles; Equipment; Unsafe Vehicles; Off-Highway Motor Vehicles; Other Vehicles › Part 9 - EQUIPMENT › Section 66-3-818 - Side-marker lamps combined with clearance lamps.

Side-marker lamps may be combined with clearance lamps and may use the same light source.
History:
1941 Comp., § 68-2518, enacted by Laws 1953, ch. 139, § 131.2; 1953 Comp., § 64-20-18; recompiled as 1953 Comp., § 64-3-818, by Laws 1978, ch. 35, § 124.
2023 New Mexico Statutes › Chapter 66 - Motor Vehicles › Article 3 - Registration Laws; Security Interests; Anti-Theft Provisions; Bicycles; Equipment; Unsafe Vehicles; Off-Highway Motor Vehicles; Other Vehicles › Part 9 - EQUIPMENT › Section 66-3-819 - Combining tail and stop lamps.

Except as required by Section 66-3-817 NMSA 1978 tail lamps may be incorporated in the same housing with stop lamps so long as the requirements for each are fulfilled.
History:
1953 Comp., § 64-3-819, enacted by Laws 1978, ch. 35, § 125.
2023 New Mexico Statutes › Chapter 66 - Motor Vehicles › Article 3 - Registration Laws; Security Interests; Anti-Theft Provisions; Bicycles; Equipment; Unsafe Vehicles; Off-Highway Motor Vehicles; Other Vehicles › Part 9 - EQUIPMENT › Section 66-3-820 - Lighting devices to be electric.

Lighting devices shall be electric, except that red liquid burning lanterns may be used on the end of load in the nature of poles, pipes and ladders projecting to the rear of the vehicle.
History:
1941 Comp., § 68-2520, enacted by Laws 1953, ch. 139, § 131.4; 1953 Comp., § 64-20-20; recompiled as 1953 Comp., § 64-3-820, by Laws 1978, ch. 35, § 126.
2023 New Mexico Statutes › Chapter 66 - Motor Vehicles › Article 3 - Registration Laws; Security Interests; Anti-Theft Provisions; Bicycles; Equipment; Unsafe Vehicles; Off-Highway Motor Vehicles; Other Vehicles › Part 9 - EQUIPMENT › Section 66-3-821 - Requirements for headlamps and auxiliary road-lighting lamps.

A. Headlamps and lamps or auxiliary road-lighting lamps shall be mounted so that the beams are readily adjustable, both vertically and horizontally, and the mounting shall be such that the aim is not readily disturbed by ordinary conditions of service.
B. Every bus, truck or truck tractor shall be equipped with two single-beam headlamps supplemented by two auxiliary single-beam headlamps furnishing, respectively, an upper and lower distribution of light, also selectable at the driver's will.
C. Headlamps shall be constructed and installed so as to comply with the provisions of Sections 66-3-830 through 66-3-832 NMSA 1978.
History:
1953 Comp., § 64-3-821, enacted by Laws 1978, ch. 35, § 127.
ANNOTATIONS
Cross references.
— For the definition of "bus",
see
66-1-4.2 NMSA 1978.
For definitions of "truck" and "truck tractor",
see
66-1-4.17 NMSA 1978.
2023 New Mexico Statutes › Chapter 66 - Motor Vehicles › Article 3 - Registration Laws; Security Interests; Anti-Theft Provisions; Bicycles; Equipment; Unsafe Vehicles; Off-Highway Motor Vehicles; Other Vehicles › Part 9 - EQUIPMENT › Section 66-3-822 - Requirements for clearance, side-marker and other lamps.

A. Except for temporary side-marker and clearance lamps on motor vehicles, as enumerated in Section 66-3-808 NMSA 1978, being transported in driveaway-towaway operations, temporary electric lamps on projecting loads, and temporary marker lamps on pole trailers, all lamps shall be permanently and securely mounted in workmanlike manner on a permanent part of the motor vehicle. All clearance lamps and side-marker lamps must be firmly attached.
B. Clearance, side-marker, tail and projecting load-marker lamps shall be so mounted as to be capable of being seen from a distance of at least five hundred feet under clear atmospheric conditions during the time lamps are required to be lighted. The light from front clearance lamps shall be visible to the front and that from side-marker lamps to the side, that from rear clearance and tail lamps to the rear. This section shall not be construed to apply to lamps which are obscured by another unit of a combination of vehicles.
C. Clearance, side-marker, tail and projecting-load marker lamps shall be constructed and installed so as to provide an adequate and reliable warning signal.
History:
1953 Comp., § 64-3-822, enacted by Laws 1978, ch. 35, § 128.
2023 New Mexico Statutes › Chapter 66 - Motor Vehicles › Article 3 - Registration Laws; Security Interests; Anti-Theft Provisions; Bicycles; Equipment; Unsafe Vehicles; Off-Highway Motor Vehicles; Other Vehicles › Part 9 - EQUIPMENT › Section 66-3-823 - Obstructed lights not required.

Whenever motor and other vehicles are operated in combination during the time that lights are required, any lamp, except tail lamps, need not be lighted which, by reason of its location on a vehicle of the combination, would be obscured by another vehicle of the combination; but, this shall not affect the requirement that lighted clearance lamps be displayed on the front of the foremost vehicle required to have clearance lamps, nor that all lights required on the rear of the rearmost vehicle of any combination shall be lighted.
History:
1953 Comp., § 64-3-823, enacted by Laws 1978, ch. 35, § 129.
2023 New Mexico Statutes › Chapter 66 - Motor Vehicles › Article 3 - Registration Laws; Security Interests; Anti-Theft Provisions; Bicycles; Equipment; Unsafe Vehicles; Off-Highway Motor Vehicles; Other Vehicles › Part 9 - EQUIPMENT › Section 66-3-824 - Lamp or flag on projecting load.

A. Whenever the load upon any vehicle extends to the rear four feet or more beyond the bed or body of such vehicle there shall be displayed at the extreme rear end of the load, at the times specified in Section 66-3-802 NMSA 1978 hereof, a red light or lantern plainly visible from a distance of at least five hundred feet to the sides and rear. The red light or lantern required under this section shall be in addition to the red rear light required upon every vehicle. At any other time there shall be displayed at the extreme rear end of such load a red flag or cloth not less than twelve inches square and so hung that the entire area is visible to the driver of a vehicle approaching from the rear.
B. If any part of a vehicle, or any load thereon, or any mechanical device, whether a temporary or permanent part of the vehicle, extends beyond the front bumpers thereof the extreme front corners of such projection shall at the times specified in Section 66-3-802 NMSA 1978 be indicated by amber lights or lanterns visible from a distance of at least five hundred feet to the sides and front.
History:
1953 Comp., § 64-3-824, enacted by Laws 1978, ch. 35, § 130.
ANNOTATIONS
Am. Jur. 2d, A.L.R. and C.J.S. references.
— Liability for injury or damage caused by collision with portion of load projecting beyond rear or side of motor vehicle or trailer, 21 A.L.R.3d 371.
2023 New Mexico Statutes › Chapter 66 - Motor Vehicles › Article 3 - Registration Laws; Security Interests; Anti-Theft Provisions; Bicycles; Equipment; Unsafe Vehicles; Off-Highway Motor Vehicles; Other Vehicles › Part 9 - EQUIPMENT › Section 66-3-826 - Lamps on other vehicles and equipment.

A. All vehicles, including animal-drawn vehicles and including those referred to in Section 66-3-801C NMSA 1978 not specifically required by the provisions of Sections 66-3-801 through 66-3-887 NMSA 1978, to be equipped with lamps, shall at the times specified in Section 66-3-802 NMSA 1978 hereof be equipped with at least one lighted lamp or lantern exhibiting a white light visible from a distance of five hundred feet to the front of such vehicle and with a lamp or lantern exhibiting a red light visible from a distance of five hundred feet to the rear.
B. Every farm tractor not equipped with an electric lighting system shall at all times mentioned in Section 66-3-802 NMSA 1978 be equipped with lamps or lanterns meeting the requirements of Subsection A above. Every farm tractor equipped with an electric lighting system shall at all times mentioned in Section 66-3-802 NMSA 1978 display a red tail lamp and either multiple-beam or single-beam headlamps meeting the requirements of Sections 66-3-805, 66-3-830 and 66-3-832 NMSA 1978, respectively.
C. All combinations of tractors and towed farm equipment shall, in addition to the lighting equipment required by Subsection B above, be equipped with a lamp or lamps displaying a white or amber light visible from a distance of five hundred feet to the front and red light visible from a distance of five hundred feet to the rear, and said lamp or lamps shall be installed or capable of being positioned so that visibility from the rear is not obstructed by the towed equipment and so as to indicate the furthest projection of said towed equipment on the side of the road used by other vehicles in passing such combinations. And further, all such towed farm equipment shall be equipped either with two tail lamps displaying a red light visible from a distance of five hundred feet to the rear or two red reflectors visible from a distance of fifty to five hundred feet to the rear when illuminated by the upper beam of headlamps, and the location of such lamps or reflectors shall be such as to indicate as nearly as practicable the extreme left and right rear projections of said towed equipment on the highway.
History:
1953 Comp., § 64-3-826, enacted by Laws 1978, ch. 35, § 132.
ANNOTATIONS
Cross references.
— For the definition of "farm tractor",
see
66-1-4.6 NMSA 1978.
For the definition of "implement of husbandry",
see
66-1-4.9 NMSA 1978.
2023 New Mexico Statutes › Chapter 66 - Motor Vehicles › Article 3 - Registration Laws; Security Interests; Anti-Theft Provisions; Bicycles; Equipment; Unsafe Vehicles; Off-Highway Motor Vehicles; Other Vehicles › Part 9 - EQUIPMENT › Section 66-3-827 - Spot lamps and auxiliary lamps.

A. Any motor vehicle may be equipped with not to exceed two spot lamps and every lighted spot lamp shall be so aimed and used that no part of the high-intensity portion of the beam will be directed to the left of the prolongation of the extreme left side of the vehicle nor more than one hundred feet ahead of the vehicle; provided, however, that lighted spot lamps shall be turned off at least five hundred feet from approaching motor vehicles.
B. Any motor vehicle may be equipped with not to exceed two fog lamps mounted on the front at a height not less than twelve inches nor more than thirty inches above the level surface upon which the vehicle stands and so aimed, when the vehicle is not loaded, that none of the high-intensity portion of the light to the left of the center of the vehicle shall, at a distance of twenty-five feet ahead, project higher than a level of four inches below the level of the center of the lamp from which it comes. Lighted fog lamps meeting the above requirements may be used with lower headlamp beams as specified in Section 66-3-830B NMSA 1978.
C. Any motor vehicle may be equipped with not to exceed one auxiliary passing lamp mounted on the front at a height not less than twenty-four inches nor more than forty-two inches above the level surface upon which the vehicle stands. The provisions of Section 66-3-830 NMSA 1978 shall apply to any combination of headlamps and auxiliary passing lamps.
D. Any motor vehicle may be equipped with not to exceed one auxiliary driving lamp mounted on the front at a height not less than sixteen inches nor more than forty-two inches above the level surface upon which the vehile [vehicle] stands. Any lighted auxiliary driving lamp shall be turned off at least five hundred feet from approaching motor vehicles. The provisions of Section 66-3-830 NMSA 1978 shall apply to any combination of headlamps and auxiliary driving lamp.
History:
1953 Comp., § 64-3-827, enacted by Laws 1978, ch. 35, § 133.
ANNOTATIONS
Bracketed material.
— The bracketed material in Subsection D was inserted by the compiler and it is not part of the law.
2023 New Mexico Statutes › Chapter 66 - Motor Vehicles › Article 3 - Registration Laws; Security Interests; Anti-Theft Provisions; Bicycles; Equipment; Unsafe Vehicles; Off-Highway Motor Vehicles; Other Vehicles › Part 9 - EQUIPMENT › Section 66-3-828 - Signal lamps and signal devices.

A. Any motor vehicle, trailer, semitrailer and house trailer may be equipped and when required under Sections 66-3-801 through 66-3-887 NMSA 1978 shall be equipped with the following signal lamps or devices:
(1) stop lamp or stop lamps on the rear which shall emit a red, amber or yellow light and which shall be actuated upon application of the service brakes and which may but need not be incorporated with one or more other rear lamps; and
(2) lamp or lamps or mechanical signal device capable of clearly indicating any intention to turn either to the right or to the left and which shall be visible both from the front and rear.
B. Every stop lamp shall be plainly visible and understandable from a distance of one hundred feet to the rear both during normal sunlight and at nighttime and a signal lamp or lamps indicating intention to turn shall be visible and understandable during daytime and nighttime from a distance of one hundred feet both to the front and rear. When a vehicle is equipped with a stop lamp or other signal lamps, such lamp or lamps shall at all times be maintained in good working condition. No stop lamp or signal lamp shall project a glaring or dazzling light.
C. All mechanical signal devices shall be self-illuminated when in use at the times mentioned in Section 66-3-802 NMSA 1978.
History:
1953 Comp., § 64-3-828, enacted by Laws 1978, ch. 35, § 134.
ANNOTATIONS
Cross references.
— For general definitions,
see
66-1-4 to 66-1-4.20 NMSA 1978.
2023 New Mexico Statutes › Chapter 66 - Motor Vehicles › Article 3 - Registration Laws; Security Interests; Anti-Theft Provisions; Bicycles; Equipment; Unsafe Vehicles; Off-Highway Motor Vehicles; Other Vehicles › Part 9 - EQUIPMENT › Section 66-3-829 - Additional lighting equipment.

A. Any motor vehicle may be equipped with not more than two side cowl or fender lamps which shall emit an amber or white light without glare.
B. Any motor vehicle may be equipped with not more than one running-board courtesy lamp on each side thereof which shall emit a white or amber light without glare.
C. Any motor vehicle may be equipped with not more than two back-up lamps either separately or in combination with other lamps, but any such back-up lamp shall not be lighted when the motor vehicle is in forward motion.
History:
1953 Comp., § 64-3-829, enacted by Laws 1978, ch. 35, § 135.
2023 New Mexico Statutes › Chapter 66 - Motor Vehicles › Article 3 - Registration Laws; Security Interests; Anti-Theft Provisions; Bicycles; Equipment; Unsafe Vehicles; Off-Highway Motor Vehicles; Other Vehicles › Part 9 - EQUIPMENT › Section 66-3-830 - Multiple-beam road-lighting equipment.

Except as hereinafter provided, the headlamps or the auxiliary driving lamps or the auxiliary passing lamp, or combinations thereof, on motor vehicles shall be so arranged that the driver may select at will between distributions of light projected to different elevations and such lamps may, in addition, be so arranged that such selection can be made automatically, subject to the following limitations:
A. there shall be an uppermost distribution of light, or composite beam, so aimed and of such intensity as to reveal persons and vehicles at a distance of at least three hundred fifty feet ahead for all conditions of loading;
B. there shall be a lowermost distribution of light, or composite beam, so aimed and of sufficient intensity to reveal persons and vehicles at a distance of at least one hundred feet ahead; and on a straight level road under any condition of loading none of the high-intensity portion of the beam shall be directed to strike the eyes of an approaching driver; and
C. every new motor vehicle registered in this state after July 1, 1953, which has multiple-beam road-lighting equipment shall be equipped with a beam indicator, which shall be lighted whenever the uppermost distribution of light from the headlamps is in use, and shall not otherwise be lighted. The indicator shall be so designed and located that when lighted it will be readily visible without glare to the driver of the vehicle so equipped.
History:
1953 Comp., § 64-3-830, enacted by Laws 1978, ch. 35, § 136.
ANNOTATIONS
Am. Jur. 2d, A.L.R. and C.J.S. references.
— 7A Am. Jur. 2d Automobiles and Highway Traffic § 190.
60 C.J.S. Motor Vehicles § 26; 60A C.J.S. Motor Vehicles § 263.
2023 New Mexico Statutes › Chapter 66 - Motor Vehicles › Article 3 - Registration Laws; Security Interests; Anti-Theft Provisions; Bicycles; Equipment; Unsafe Vehicles; Off-Highway Motor Vehicles; Other Vehicles › Part 9 - EQUIPMENT › Section 66-3-831 - Use of multiple-beam road-lighting equipment.

Whenever a motor vehicle is being operated on a roadway or shoulder adjacent thereto during the times specified in Section 66-3-802 NMSA 1978, the driver shall use a distribution of light, or composite beam, directed high enough and of sufficient intensity to reveal persons and vehicles at a safe distance in advance of the vehicle, subject to the following requirements and limitations:
A. whenever the driver of a vehicle approaches an oncoming vehicle within five hundred feet, such driver shall use a distribution of light or composite beam so aimed that the glaring rays are not projected into the eyes of the oncoming driver;
B. the lowermost distribution of light specified in Section 66-3-830B NMSA 1978 shall be deemed to avoid glare at all times, regardless of road contour and loading; and
C. whenever the driver of a vehicle overtakes another vehicle proceeding in the same direction and within two hundred feet, such driver shall use a distribution of light or composite beam so aimed that the glaring rays are not projected through the rear window of the overtaken vehicle.
History:
1953 Comp., § 64-3-831, enacted by Laws 1978, ch. 35, § 137.
ANNOTATIONS
Cross references.
— For the penalty assessment for violation,
see
66-8-116 NMSA 1978.
Am. Jur. 2d, A.L.R. and C.J.S. references.
— 7A Am. Jur. 2d Automobiles and Highway Traffic § 190.
Duty and liability of vehicle driver blinded by glare of lights, 22 A.L.R.2d 292, 64 A.L.R.3d 551, 64 A.L.R.3d 760.
Contributory negligence of driver or occupant of motor vehicle being driven or parked without dimming lights, 63 A.L.R.3d 824.
60A C.J.S. Motor Vehicles § 309.
2023 New Mexico Statutes › Chapter 66 - Motor Vehicles › Article 3 - Registration Laws; Security Interests; Anti-Theft Provisions; Bicycles; Equipment; Unsafe Vehicles; Off-Highway Motor Vehicles; Other Vehicles › Part 9 - EQUIPMENT › Section 66-3-832 - Single-beam road-lighting equipment.

Headlamps arranged to provide a single distribution of light shall be permitted on motor vehicles manufactured and sold prior to July 1, 1953, in lieu of multiple-beam road-lighting equipment herein specified if the single distribution of light complies with the following requirements and limitations:
A. the headlamps shall be so aimed that when the vehicle is not loaded none of the high-intensity portion of the light shall at a distance of twenty-five feet ahead project higher than a level of five inches below the level of the center of the lamp from which it comes, and in no case higher than forty-two inches above the level on which the vehicle stands at a distance of seventy-five feet ahead; and
B. the intensity shall be sufficient to reveal persons and vehicles at a distance of at least two hundred feet.
History:
1953 Comp., § 64-3-832, enacted by Laws 1978, ch. 35, § 138.
2023 New Mexico Statutes › Chapter 66 - Motor Vehicles › Article 3 - Registration Laws; Security Interests; Anti-Theft Provisions; Bicycles; Equipment; Unsafe Vehicles; Off-Highway Motor Vehicles; Other Vehicles › Part 9 - EQUIPMENT › Section 66-3-833 - Alternate road-lighting equipment.

Any motor vehicle may be operated under the conditions specified in Section 66-3-802 NMSA 1978 when equipped with the two lighted lamps upon the front thereof capable of revealing persons and objects seventy-five feet ahead in lieu of lamps required in Section 66-3-830 NMSA 1978 or Section 66-3-832 NMSA 1978; provided, however, that at no time shall it be operated at a speed in excess of twenty miles an hour.
History:
1953 Comp., § 64-3-833, enacted by Laws 1978, ch. 35, § 139.
2023 New Mexico Statutes › Chapter 66 - Motor Vehicles › Article 3 - Registration Laws; Security Interests; Anti-Theft Provisions; Bicycles; Equipment; Unsafe Vehicles; Off-Highway Motor Vehicles; Other Vehicles › Part 9 - EQUIPMENT › Section 66-3-834 - Number of driving lamps required or permitted.

A. At all times specified in Section 66-3-802 NMSA 1978, at least two lighted lamps shall be displayed, one on each side at the front of every motor vehicle other than a motorcycle, except when such vehicle is parked subject to the regulations governing lights on parked vehicles.
B. Whenever a motor vehicle equipped with headlamps as herein required is also equipped with any auxiliary lamp or spot lamps or any other lamp on the front thereof projecting a beam of intensity greater than three hundred candle power, not more than a total of four of any such lamps on the front of a vehicle shall be lighted at any one time when upon a highway.
History:
1953 Comp., § 64-3-834, enacted by Laws 1978, ch. 35, § 140; 1981, ch. 361, § 16.
ANNOTATIONS
Cross references.
— For definitions of "moped" and "motorcycle",
see
66-1-4.11 NMSA 1978.
2023 New Mexico Statutes › Chapter 66 - Motor Vehicles › Article 3 - Registration Laws; Security Interests; Anti-Theft Provisions; Bicycles; Equipment; Unsafe Vehicles; Off-Highway Motor Vehicles; Other Vehicles › Part 9 - EQUIPMENT › Section 66-3-836 - Standards for lights on snow-removal equipment.

A. The state transportation commission shall adopt standards and specifications applicable to headlamps, clearance lamps, identification and other lamps on snow-removal equipment when operated on the highways of this state in lieu of the lamps otherwise required on motor vehicles by Sections 66-3-801 through 66-3-887 NMSA 1978. The standards and specifications may permit the use of flashing lights for purposes of identifications on snow-removal equipment when in service upon the highways. The standards and specifications for lamps referred to in this section shall correlate with and, so far as possible, conform with those approved by the American association of state highway officials.
B. It is unlawful to operate any snow-removal equipment on any highway unless the lamps on the equipment comply with and are lighted when and as required by the standards and specifications adopted as provided in this section.
History:
1953 Comp., § 64-3-836, enacted by Laws 1978, ch. 35, § 142; 2003, ch. 142, § 8.
ANNOTATIONS
The 2003 amendment,
effective July 1, 2003, substituted "transportation commission" for "highway commission" and substituted "66-3-801 through 66-3-887 NMSA 1978" for "64-3-801 through 64-3-887 NMSA 1953" in Subsection A.
Am. Jur. 2d, A.L.R. and C.J.S. references.
— Liability for injury or damage caused by snowplowing or snow removal operations and equipment, 83 A.L.R.4th 5.
2023 New Mexico Statutes › Chapter 66 - Motor Vehicles › Article 3 - Registration Laws; Security Interests; Anti-Theft Provisions; Bicycles; Equipment; Unsafe Vehicles; Off-Highway Motor Vehicles; Other Vehicles › Part 9 - EQUIPMENT › Section 66-3-837 - Selling or using lamps or equipment.

A. On and after January 1, 1954, no person shall have for sale, sell or offer for sale for use upon or as a part of the equipment of a motor vehicle, trailer or semitrailer, or use upon any such vehicle any headlamp, auxiliary, or fog lamp, or reflector which reflector is required hereunder, or parts of any of the foregoing which tend to change the original design or performance, unless of a type which has been submitted to the director and approved by him. The foregoing provisions of this section shall not apply to equipment in actual use when this section is adopted or replacement parts therefor.
B. No person shall have for sale, sell or offer for sale for use upon or as a part of the equipment of a motor vehicle, trailer or semitrailer any lamp or device mentioned in this section which has been approved by the director unless such lamp or device bears thereon the trademark or name under which it is approved so as to be legible when installed.
C. No person shall use upon any motor vehicle, trailer or semitrailer any lamps mentioned in this section unless said lamps are mounted, adjusted and aimed in accordance with instructions of the director.
History:
1953 Comp., § 64-3-837, enacted by Laws 1978, ch. 35, § 143.
ANNOTATIONS
Cross references.
— For general definitions applicable to this section,
see
66-1-4 to 66-1-4.20 NMSA 1978.
Am. Jur. 2d, A.L.R. and C.J.S. references.
— Driving motor vehicle without lights or with improper lights as affecting liability for collision, 21 A.L.R.2d 7, 62 A.L.R.3d 560, 62 A.L.R.3d 771, 62 A.L.R.3d 844.
Driving motor vehicle without lights or with improper lights as gross negligence or the like warranting recovery by guest under guest statute or similar common-law rule, 21 A.L.R.2d 209.
2023 New Mexico Statutes › Chapter 66 - Motor Vehicles › Article 3 - Registration Laws; Security Interests; Anti-Theft Provisions; Bicycles; Equipment; Unsafe Vehicles; Off-Highway Motor Vehicles; Other Vehicles › Part 9 - EQUIPMENT › Section 66-3-838 - Authority of director with reference to safety and lighting devices.

A. The director is hereby required to approve or disapprove lighting and other safety devices mentioned in Sections 66-3-801 through 66-3-887 NMSA 1978 and shall be guided in doing so by national authorities including the Society of Automotive Engineers. In approving lighting devices, the director shall also be guided by the headlamp standards established by the United Nations' agreement concerning the adoption of approval and reciprocal recognition of approval for motor vehicle equipment and parts done at Geneva on March 20, 1958, as amended and adopted by Canadian Standards Association (CSA Standard D106.2).
B. The director is hereby required to approve or disapprove any lighting and safety device of a type on which approval is required in Sections 66-3-801 through 66-3-887 NMSA 1978 within a reasonable time after such device has been submitted.
C. The director is further authorized to set up the procedure which shall be followed when any device is submitted for approval.
D. The director upon approving any such lamp or device shall issue to the applicant a certificate of approval together with any instructions determined by him.
E. The director shall publish lists of all lamps and devices by name and type which have been approved by him, together with instructions as to the permissible candle power rating of the bulbs which he has determined for use therein and such other instructions as to adjustment as the director may deem necessary.
History:
1953 Comp., § 64-3-838, enacted by Laws 1978, ch. 35, § 144; 1981, ch. 43, § 1.
2023 New Mexico Statutes › Chapter 66 - Motor Vehicles › Article 3 - Registration Laws; Security Interests; Anti-Theft Provisions; Bicycles; Equipment; Unsafe Vehicles; Off-Highway Motor Vehicles; Other Vehicles › Part 9 - EQUIPMENT › Section 66-3-839 - Revocation of certificate of approval on safety and lighting devices.

A. When the director has reason to believe that an approved device as being sold commercially does not comply with the requirements of Sections 66-3-801 through 66-3-887 NMSA 1978, he may, after giving thirty days' previous notice to the person holding the certificate of approval for such device in this state, conduct a hearing upon the question of compliance of said approved device. After said hearing the director shall determine whether said approved device meets such requirements. If said device does not meet the requirements, he shall give notice to the person holding the certificate of approval for such device in this state.
B. If at the expiration of ninety days after such notice the person holding the certificate of approval for such device has failed to satisfy the director that said approved device as thereafter to be sold meets the requirements, the director shall suspend or revoke the approval issued therefor until or unless such device is resubmitted to and retested by an authorized testing agency and is found to meet the requirements, and may require that all said devices sold since the notification following the hearing be replaced with devices that do comply with the requirements. The director may at the time of the retest purchase in the open market and submit to the testing agency one or more sets of such approved devices, and if such device upon such retest fails to meet the requirements, the director may refuse to renew the certificate of approval of such device.
History:
1953 Comp., § 64-3-839, enacted by Laws 1978, ch. 35, § 145.
2023 New Mexico Statutes › Chapter 66 - Motor Vehicles › Article 3 - Registration Laws; Security Interests; Anti-Theft Provisions; Bicycles; Equipment; Unsafe Vehicles; Off-Highway Motor Vehicles; Other Vehicles › Part 9 - EQUIPMENT › Section 66-3-841 - Repealed.

ANNOTATIONS
Repeals.
— Laws 2001, ch. 6, § 1 repealed 66-3-841 NMSA 1978, as enacted by Laws 1969, ch. 266, § 5, relating to the height of motorcycle handlebars, effective July 1, 2001. For provisions of former section,
see
the 2000 NMSA 1978 on
NMOneSource.com.
2023 New Mexico Statutes › Chapter 66 - Motor Vehicles › Article 3 - Registration Laws; Security Interests; Anti-Theft Provisions; Bicycles; Equipment; Unsafe Vehicles; Off-Highway Motor Vehicles; Other Vehicles › Part 9 - EQUIPMENT › Section 66-3-842 - Motorcycle maneuverability.

A. No motorcycle shall be equipped in a manner such that it is incapable of turning a ninety-degree angle within a circle having a radius of not more than fourteen feet. Evidence of a motorcycle's being unable to turn a ninety-degree angle within a circle having a radius of not more than fourteen feet shall be prima facie evidence of an unsafe vehicle as described in Section 66-3-801 NMSA 1978.
B. For the purposes of this section, a peace officer may require the driver of a motorcycle to demonstrate the ability of any motorcycle to be ridden as described in Subsection A of this seciton [section]. Failure or refusal of any operator to demonstrate the ability of any motorcycle being operated upon the highways shall be prima facie evidence of an unsafe vehicle as described in Section 66-3-801 NMSA 1978.
History:
1953 Comp., § 64-3-842, enacted by Laws 1978, ch. 35, § 148.
2023 New Mexico Statutes › Chapter 66 - Motor Vehicles › Article 3 - Registration Laws; Security Interests; Anti-Theft Provisions; Bicycles; Equipment; Unsafe Vehicles; Off-Highway Motor Vehicles; Other Vehicles › Part 9 - EQUIPMENT › Section 66-3-843 - Horns and warning devices.

A. Every motor vehicle when operated upon a highway shall be equipped with a horn in good working order and capable of emitting sound audible under normal conditions from a distance of not less than two hundred feet, but no horn or other warning device shall be used which does not produce a harmonious sound. The driver of a motor vehicle shall when reasonably necessary to ensure safe operation give audible warning with his horn but shall not otherwise use such horn when upon a highway.
B. No vehicle shall be equipped with nor shall any person use upon a vehicle any siren, whistle or bell except as otherwise permitted in this section.
C. It is permissible, but not required, that any commercial vehicle be equipped with a theft-alarm signal device which is so arranged that it cannot be used by the driver as an ordinary warning signal.
D. Any authorized emergency vehicle may be equipped with a siren, whistle or bell, capable of emitting sound audible under normal conditions from a distance of not less than five hundred feet and of a type approved by the division, but such siren shall not be used except when such vehicle is operated in response to an emergency call or in the immediate pursuit of an actual or suspected violator of the law, in which said latter events the driver of such vehicle shall sound said siren when reasonably necessary to warn pedestrians and other drivers of the approach thereof.
History:
1953 Comp., § 64-3-843, enacted by Laws 1978, ch. 35, § 149.
ANNOTATIONS
Cross references.
— For authorized emergency vehicles,
see
66-7-6 NMSA 1978.
For sounding horn when passing another vehicle,
see
66-7-310 NMSA 1978.
For requirement to sound horn to warn pedestrians,
see
66-7-337 NMSA 1978.
Am. Jur. 2d, A.L.R. and C.J.S. references.
— 7A Am. Jur. 2d Automobiles and Highway Traffic § 193.
Duty and liability with respect to giving audible signal where driver's view ahead obstructed at curve or hill, 16 A.L.R.3d 897.
Duty and liability with respect to giving audible signal at intersection, 21 A.L.R.3d 268.
Duty and liability with respect to giving audible signal before passing, 22 A.L.R.3d 325.
Duty and liability with respect to giving audible signal upon approaching pedestrian, 24 A.L.R.3d 183.
60 C.J.S. Motor Vehicles § 26; 60A C.J.S. Motor Vehicles § 288.
2023 New Mexico Statutes › Chapter 66 - Motor Vehicles › Article 3 - Registration Laws; Security Interests; Anti-Theft Provisions; Bicycles; Equipment; Unsafe Vehicles; Off-Highway Motor Vehicles; Other Vehicles › Part 9 - EQUIPMENT › Section 66-3-844 - Mufflers; prevention of noise; emission control devices.

A. Every motor vehicle shall at all times be equipped with a muffler in good working order and in constant operation to prevent excessive or unusual noise, and no person shall use a muffler cutout, bypass or similar device upon a motor vehicle on a highway.
B. The muffler, emission control equipment or device, engine and power mechanism of every motor vehicle shall be so equipped and adjusted as to prevent the escape of excessive fumes or smoke.
C. Every registered gasoline-fueled motor vehicle manufactured or assembled, commencing with the 1968 models, shall at all times be equipped and maintained in good working order with the factory-installed devices and equipment or their replacements designed to prevent, reduce or control exhaust emissions or air pollution.
History:
1941 Comp., § 68-2544, enacted by Laws 1953, ch. 139, § 152; 1953 Comp., § 64-20-44; Laws 1970, ch. 59, § 1; recompiled as 1953 Comp., § 64-3-844, by Laws 1978, ch. 35, § 150.
ANNOTATIONS
Noise produced by "smitty" or "Hollywood" muffler
is such as could be classed as "excessive" or at least "unusual" within the meaning of this section. 1955 Op. Att'y Gen. No. 55-6204.
Am. Jur. 2d, A.L.R. and C.J.S. references.
— 7A Am. Jur. 2d Automobiles and Highway Traffic §§ 194, 790.
Products liability: motor vehicle exhaust systems, 72 A.L.R.4th 62.
60 C.J.S. Motor Vehicles § 26; 60A C.J.S. Motor Vehicles § 260.