New Mexico § 66-8-117 - Penalty assessment misdemeanors; option; effect

§ 66-8-117. Penalty assessment misdemeanors; option; effect

A. Unless a warning notice is given, at the time of making an arrest for any penalty

assessment misdemeanor the arresting officer shall offer the alleged violator the

option of accepting a penalty assessment. The violator's signature on the penalty assessment notice constitutes an acknowledgment

of guilt of the offense stated in the notice. B. Except for penalty assessments made under a municipal program authorized by Section 66-8-130 NMSA 1978 , payment of any penalty assessment must be made by mail to the division within thirty

days from the date of arrest. Payments of penalty assessments are timely if postmarked within thirty days from

the date of arrest. The division may issue a receipt when a penalty assessment is paid by currency,

but checks tendered by the violator upon which payment is received are sufficient

receipt. C. No record of any penalty assessment payment is admissible as evidence in any court

in any civil action.