New Mexico § 66-3-1011 - Operation on streets or highways; prohibited areas

§ 66-3-1011. Operation on streets or highways; prohibited areas

A. A person shall not operate an off-highway motor vehicle on any: (1) limited access highway or freeway at any time; or (2) paved street or highway except as provided in Subsection B, C, D or E of this

section. B. Off-highway motor vehicles may cross streets or highways, except limited access

highways or freeways, if the crossings are made after coming to a complete stop prior

to entering the roadway. Off-highway motor vehicles shall yield the right of way to oncoming traffic and

shall begin a crossing only when it can be executed safely and then cross in the most

direct manner as close to a perpendicular angle as possible. C. If authorized by ordinance or resolution of a local authority or the state transportation

commission, a recreational off-highway vehicle or an all-terrain vehicle may be operated

on a paved street or highway owned and controlled by the authorizing entity if: (1) the vehicle has one or more headlights and one or more taillights that comply

with the Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Act; (2) the vehicle has brakes, mirrors and mufflers; (3) the operator has valid driver's licenses or permits as required under the Motor

Vehicle Code and off-highway motor vehicle safety permits as required under the Off-Highway

Motor Vehicle Act; (4) the operator is insured in compliance with the provisions of the Mandatory Financial

Responsibility Act; (5) the operator of the vehicle is using eye protection that complies with the Off-Highway

Motor Vehicle Act; and (6) if the operator is under eighteen years of age, the operator is wearing a safety

helmet that complies with the Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Act. D. Except for sections of the Motor Vehicle Code that are in conflict with the licensing

and equipment requirements of the Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Act, any operator using

an off-highway motor vehicle on a paved street or highway shall be subject to the

requirements and penalties for operators of moving and parked vehicles under the Motor

Vehicle Code. E. By ordinance or resolution, a local authority or state transportation commission

may establish separate speed limits and operating restrictions for off-highway vehicles

where they are authorized to operate on paved streets or highways pursuant to Subsection

C of this section. F. A person shall not operate an off-highway motor vehicle on state game commission-owned,

-controlled or -administered land except as specifically allowed pursuant to Chapter 17, Article 6 NMSA 1978 . G. A person shall not operate an off-highway motor vehicle on land owned, controlled

or administered by the state parks division of the energy, minerals and natural resources

department, pursuant to Chapter 16, Article 2 NMSA 1978 , except in areas designated by and permitted by rules adopted by the secretary of

energy, minerals and natural resources. H. Unless authorized, a person shall not: (1) remove, deface or destroy any official sign installed by a state, federal, local

or private land management agency; or (2) install any off-highway motor vehicle-related sign.