New Mexico: rules and deadlines at a glance

Every 14 topic we track for New Mexico on one page. Open a topic for the details, the law it comes from and how New Mexico compares.

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Car insurance by state · Claim deadlines · Small claims limits · Total loss rules · Shared fault rules · Accident reporting rules · Lemon law rules · Sales tax rates · Phone-while-driving laws · Motorcycle helmet laws · Gas tax · Uninsured drivers · Marijuana laws

General information only, not legal, insurance or financial advice. Not affiliated with any government agency. Exceptions can apply; open a topic for the details.

Filing deadlines (statute of limitations)

Personal injury	3 years
Property damage	4 years

Car insurance by state

Minimum liability	$25,000 / $50,000 / $10,000
Fault system	At-fault (the driver who caused it pays)
Shared-fault rule	Pure comparative: recovery reduced by your share of fault

Claim deadlines

Acknowledge	No fixed number of days; must act with reasonable promptness
Accept or deny	Reasonable time
Pay	Not set by rule

Small claims limits Single detailed source

Dollar limit	$10,000 (magistrate court)
Filing fee	About $77
Lawyers	Allowed; most companies need one

Total loss rules

Total loss rule	Total loss formula

Shared fault rules

Rule	Pure comparative negligence
When you are barred	Up to 99% at fault: damages reduced by your share

Accident reporting rules

Report required if	Death, injury, or over $500 damage
Deadline	Immediately

Lemon law rules Single detailed source

Repair attempts or days	4 attempts or 30 business days
Coverage period	Warranty or 1 year, whichever first

Sales tax rates Single detailed source

State rate	4.88%
Combined average	7.68%

Phone-while-driving laws Single detailed source

Handheld ban	No
Texting ban	Yes, primary

Motorcycle helmet laws Single detailed source

Law type	Partial
Who must wear one	Riders under 18

Gas tax Single detailed source

Gasoline	18.9¢ per gallon
Diesel	22.9¢ per gallon

Uninsured drivers

Drivers uninsured	24.1%
UM/UIM coverage	Not required (insurers must offer it)

Marijuana laws

Legal status	Recreational and medical