Trekking along the seemingly endless and remote highways and byways is a great way to explore this Southwestern state. But avoiding speed traps and fender benders isn’t always possible. Whether or not your New Mexico driving record is perfect, however, you should plan to keep tabs on it and monitor it from time to time. Viewing your driving record on a regular basis allows you to make sure that your information is accurate. Since your driving record is likely viewed by your insurance provider and possibly even your employer, you should know what they see on your record.
About New Mexico Driving Records
All driving records for the state are maintained by the New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division (MVD). The MVD maintains record information such as citations, convictions, suspensions, DWIs, and accidents. Your driving record also lists demerit points against your record in consequence of driving infractions. In New Mexico, drivers can request unofficial driving records or certified, official driving records. Courts and some employers may request a certified copy of your driving history. Drivers can obtain their New Mexico driving record by fax, online, in person, or by telephone. Drivers cannot obtain certified copies of their record if requesting online.
Who Can View Your Driving Record
Courts, employers, and insurance providers commonly check driving records. In some cases, the courts or your employer may ask you to procure your official driving record for them.
For more specific information about if you are eligible to view someone else’s driving record, contact the New Mexico MVD.
When driving those idyllic desert roads in backcountry New Mexico, it sometimes happens that your speed simply creeps up on you. Too many tickets, however, can wreak havoc with your driving record.
If you haven’t checked your record in the past to ascertain the number of demerit points against your license, you should do it soon. If you have too many points on your record, you could be in jeopardy of losing your driver’s license.
If you are a parent and wish to obtain the driving record for your child (under age 18), you should also contact the MVD for more information.
Obtaining Your New Mexico Driving Record Online
Obtaining your driving record online is convenient. So long as you don’t need a certified copy of your driving history, this is an easy route to go. To view your unofficial driving record, you will need to visit the Online Driver History Records service located here. You must be ready to provide your driver’s license number, birth date, and the last four digits of your social security number. The fee for obtaining your online driving record is $6.63. Drivers can pay this fee using their Visa, MasterCard, or American Express Card.
Obtaining Your New Mexico Driving Record by Phone
You can conveniently order an official or unofficial copy of your New Mexico driving record by calling the New Mexico MVD at 888-683-4636. You will be asked a series of questions to verify your identity. Your record will be mailed to you within two weeks of your phone call.
Obtaining Your New Mexico Driving Record by Fax
You can also fax your request to the New Mexico MVD. You will need to use the Confidential Records Release form. You can obtain a copy of form MVD-11260 here.
Fax the form to 505-827-2792 and be sure to include your name and telephone number in case there are questions. Your official or unofficial record will arrive by mail within two weeks.
Obtaining Your New Mexico Driving Record in Person
To obtain your New Mexico driving record in person, you can visit any New Mexico MVD.
Once there, you will have to complete the Confidential Records Release form.
You do not have to pay a fee to obtain your driving record when you request in person.
Check Your Driving Record for Mistakes
Errors do sometimes occur on driving records, although they are not common. When you receive your driving record, be sure to read it carefully to check for mistakes. You’ll want to make sure all personal information and information regarding your driving record is correct.
Also, be sure that demerit points are accurately assigned or you could be paying more than you should for insurance.
If you do locate a mistake, contact the MVD so they can correct it.
Once your report is corrected, be sure to alert your insurance provider about the error in case your rates need to be adjusted. Keep in mind that checking your record regularly also helps you guard against identity theft.
New Mexico Demerit Points
Each driver record point value assigned by the NM MVD is based on the severity of the traffic offense that you have committed.
Here’s a list of the offense usually committed by NM drivers and their equivalent points:
- 8 points for speeding at 26 mph or more over the posted speed limit of 15, 30, or 75 mph
- 6 points for reckless driving
- 5 points for speeding at 16-25 mph over the posted speed limit of 15, 30, or 75 mph
- 4 points for not yielding right of way to an emergency vehicle
- 3 points for careless driving
- 2 points for giving the wrong signal and other minimal infractions
If you get too many of these points, you’ll face certain penalties enforced by the NM MVD. These are:
- If you have accrued 7 to 10 points within 12 consecutive months, they will suspend your license for three months (but only if a New Mexico municipal or magistrate court recommends it).
- If you accumulate 12 points and above within the same period, your driving privileges will be suspended for 12 months.
- If you violate a serious offense, like Driving While Intoxicated (DWI), the MVD will automatically suspend your driving privileges.
In addition to those penalties, incurring points from traffic violations can also result in higher car insurance premiums and fewer driving employment opportunities in New Mexico.
More importantly, don’t forget that your DMV driving record points will only count towards a possible suspension of your license for one year (after committing the violation). This means that points that were added 12 months ago should no longer be applied.
To find out more information about how long demerit points remain on your record, contact the MVD. In many cases, these points expire in three years. However, some offenses may warrant a longer time frame.