New Mexico § 66-2-12 - Police authority of division

Full text of New Mexico New Mexico Statutes Annotated § 66-2-12 — Police authority of division, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 66-2-12. Police authority of division

A. The director and such officers, deputies and inspectors of the division as he shall

designate by the issuance of credentials shall have the powers: (1) of peace officers for the purpose of enforcing the provisions of the Motor Vehicle

Code; (2) to make arrests upon view and without warrant for any violation committed in their

presence of any of the provisions of the Motor Vehicle Code; (3) when on duty, upon reasonable belief that any vehicle is being operated in violation

of any provision of the Motor Vehicle Code, to require the driver thereof to stop

and exhibit his driver's license and the registration evidence issued for the vehicle

and submit to an inspection of such vehicle, the registration plate and registration

evidence thereon or to an inspection and test of the equipment of such vehicle; (4) [to] inspect any vehicle of a type required to be registered hereunder in any

public garage or repair shop or in any place where such vehicles are held for sale

or wrecking, for the purpose of locating stolen vehicles and investigating the title

and registration thereof; and (5) to determine by inspection that all dealers and wreckers of vehicles are in compliance

with the provisions of the Motor Vehicle Code with particular reference to but not

limited to the requirements for an established place of business and for records. B. The director may issue credentials to officers of state and local law enforcement

agencies as evidence of the division's intent to fully implement the enforcement of

the provisions of the Motor Vehicle Code.

Source: official New Mexico text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About New Mexico § 66-2-12

What does New Mexico Statutes Annotated § 66-2-12 cover?

Section 66-2-12 ("Police authority of division") is part of the New Mexico Statutes Annotated, the codified statutory law of New Mexico. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite New Mexico § 66-2-12?

A common citation format is "New Mexico Statutes Annotated § 66-2-12" (New Mexico). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of New Mexico law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the New Mexico official source linked on this page or consult a licensed New Mexico attorney.

How does New Mexico § 66-2-12 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in New Mexico can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in New Mexico.