New Mexico § 66-7-6 - Authorized emergency vehicles
Full text of New Mexico New Mexico Statutes Annotated § 66-7-6 — Authorized emergency vehicles, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 66-7-6. Authorized emergency vehicles
A. The driver of an authorized emergency vehicle, when responding to an emergency
call or when in pursuit of an actual or suspected violator of the law or when responding
to but not upon returning from a fire alarm, may exercise the privileges set forth
in this section subject to the conditions stated. The chief of the New Mexico state police or the appropriate local agency may designate
emergency vehicles and revoke the designation. When vehicles are so designated, they are authorized emergency vehicles. B. The driver of an authorized emergency vehicle may: (1) park or stand, irrespective of the provisions of the Motor Vehicle Code; (2) proceed past a red or stop signal or stop sign, but only after slowing down as
necessary for safe operation; (3) exceed the maximum speed limits so long as he does not endanger life or property;
and (4) disregard regulations governing direction of movement or turning in specified
directions. C. The exemptions granted to an authorized emergency vehicle apply only when the driver
of the vehicle, while in motion, sounds an audible signal by bell, siren or exhaust
whistle as reasonably necessary and when the vehicle is equipped with at least one
lighted lamp displaying a red light visible under normal atmospheric conditions from
a distance of five hundred feet to the front of the vehicle, except that an authorized
emergency vehicle operated as a police vehicle need not be equipped with or display
a red light visible from in front of the vehicle. D. This section does not relieve the driver of an authorized emergency vehicle from
the duty to drive with due regard for the safety of all persons nor does it protect
the driver from the consequences of his reckless disregard for the safety of others.
Source: official New Mexico text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About New Mexico § 66-7-6
What does New Mexico Statutes Annotated § 66-7-6 cover?
Section 66-7-6 ("Authorized emergency vehicles") 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 § 66-7-6?
A common citation format is "New Mexico Statutes Annotated § 66-7-6" (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 § 66-7-6 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.