New Mexico § 66-7-303 - Establishment of speed zones
Full text of New Mexico New Mexico Statutes Annotated § 66-7-303 — Establishment of speed zones, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 66-7-303. Establishment of speed zones
A. Whenever the secretary of highway and transportation determines upon the basis
of an engineering survey and traffic investigation, a detailed report of which is
filed with the traffic safety bureau of the state highway and transportation department,
that any speed established by law is greater or less than is reasonable or safe under
the conditions found to exist upon any part of a state highway, the secretary of highway
and transportation may declare the speed limit for that part, and that speed limit
shall be authorized and effective when appropriate signs giving notice thereof are
erected at that particular part of the highway; provided that no speed limit shall
be declared greater than seventy-five miles per hour. The declaration of speed limits by the secretary of highway and transportation shall
not be considered rules for purposes of the State Rules Act. B. Whenever a local authority determines upon the basis of an engineering survey and
traffic investigation that any speed limit permitted under state law or local ordinance
is greater or less than is reasonable or safe under the conditions found to exist
upon any part of a highway within its jurisdiction, it may declare a speed limit for
that part, and that speed limit shall be authorized and effective when appropriate
signs giving notice thereof are erected at that particular part of the highway; provided
that no speed limit shall be declared greater than seventy-five miles per hour. C. Engineering surveys and traffic investigations made by local authorities shall
be on a form approved by the secretary of highway and transportation. If engineers are not available to the local authorities, the state highway and transportation
department may make the surveys and investigations for the local authorities. D. Speed zones may be marked by a sign containing a flashing yellow light and, when
the light is in operation, the speed limit, instructions or regulations on the sign
are in effect. E. Alteration of speed limits on state highways by local authorities is not effective
until approved by the secretary of highway and transportation. F. The provisions of Subsections A and B of this section shall not apply to changes
of speed limit in construction zones authorized pursuant to Section 66-7-303.1 NMSA 1978 .
Source: official New Mexico text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About New Mexico § 66-7-303
What does New Mexico Statutes Annotated § 66-7-303 cover?
Section 66-7-303 ("Establishment of speed zones") 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 § 66-7-303?
A common citation format is "New Mexico Statutes Annotated § 66-7-303" (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 § 66-7-303 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.