New Mexico § 3-17-1 - Ordinances; purposes

Full text of New Mexico New Mexico Statutes Annotated § 3-17-1 — Ordinances; purposes, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 3-17-1. Ordinances; purposes

The governing body of a municipality may adopt ordinances or resolutions not inconsistent

with the laws of New Mexico for the purpose of: A. effecting or discharging the powers and duties conferred by law upon the municipality; B. providing for the safety, preserving the health, promoting the prosperity and improving

the morals, order, comfort and convenience of the municipality and its inhabitants;

and C. enforcing obedience to the ordinances by prosecution in the municipal court and

metropolitan courts and upon conviction the imposition of: (1) except for those violations of ordinances described in Paragraphs (2) and (3)

of this subsection, a fine of not more than five hundred dollars ($500) or imprisonment

for not more than ninety days or both; (2) for a violation of an ordinance prohibiting driving a motor vehicle while under

the influence of intoxicating liquor or drugs, a fine of not more than one thousand

dollars ($1,000) or imprisonment for not more than three hundred sixty-four days or

both; and (3) for violations of an industrial user wastewater pretreatment ordinance as required

by the United States environmental protection agency, a fine of not more than one

thousand dollars ($1,000) a day for each violation.

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

Frequently Asked Questions About New Mexico § 3-17-1

What does New Mexico Statutes Annotated § 3-17-1 cover?

Section 3-17-1 ("Ordinances; purposes") 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 § 3-17-1?

A common citation format is "New Mexico Statutes Annotated § 3-17-1" (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 § 3-17-1 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.