Motorcycle Safety and New Mexico Laws: Everything You Need to Know
March 20, 2025
New Mexico Motorcycle Season is Here!
As the weather gets warmer and the roads clear out, New Mexicans start preparing themselves for the season of the motorcycle. While there’s something so amazing about the wind in your hair and the road just a few inches from your feet, we at Ron Bell Injury Lawyers want to give you the reminder that motorcycle safety is the key to enjoying yourself while you’re on some of the most beautiful rides that New Mexico has to offer.
In The Article
Do you Need a Special License to Ride a Motorcycle in New Mexico?
Yes, specialty licensing for motorcycles in New Mexico is required for all motorcycle drivers. According to the New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division, “In order to operate a motorcycle on a New Mexico highway, a driver must have a valid license with a motorcycle (W, Y, or Z) endorsement.”
The W endorsement will authorize you to drive any two- or -three-wheeled motorcycle that has a piston displacement of 100 or more cubic centimeters.
A Y endorsement authorizes drivers to drive any two- or three-wheeled motorcycle that has between 50 and 99 cubic centimeters piston displacement.
Finally, a Z endorsement for New Mexico motorcycle riders to drive any two- or three-wheeled motorcycle that has a piston displacement of less than 50 cubic centimeters.
Is Lane Splitting Legal in New Mexico
When it comes to New Mexico motorcycle law, lane splitting is strictly prohibited. Lane splitting is when a motorcyclist rides between two lanes of traffic moving in the same direction. In some states, driving along the white dashed line that separates two lanes moving the same direction is legal for motorcyclists. However, in New Mexico, motorcyclists are required to stay in their lane, unless they are passing another vehicle.
Is it Legal to Ride a Motorcycle Without a Helmet in New Mexico?
One of the most common questions when it comes to motorcycle laws in any states is “Are helmets required by law?” New Mexico motorcycle law requires any passenger or driver under the age of 18 to wear a helmet. While it is not required for people over the age of 18 to wear a helmet in New Mexico, for safety purposes, it is always recommended.
According to the National Highway Safety Administration, from 2002-2017, motorcycle helmets saved more than 25,000 lives, and “motorcycle helmets are estimated to be 37% effective in preventing fatal injuries” to drivers and 41% effective to passengers.
Other Motorcycle Safety Tips for New Mexico Roads
Overall, there are a lot of ways motorcyclists can exercise safe practices while riding. While many seasoned riders may know a lot of these, it’s always good to brush up on how to prevent motorcycle accidents in New Mexico.
Here are just a few ways you can make sure you’re safe on your next ride:
Wear protective gear: While New Mexico summers can get very hot, there’s nothing more important than wearing protective gear to ensure that, in case of the unthinkable, your body is as protected as possible.
Be Seen: Choosing clothing that has high visibility is the first step to making yourself visible. Make sure your protective gear is bright in color and has reflectors to help you be seen both night and day.
Stay in View: Avoid blind spots of other drivers on the road. Be sure that you can see their mirrors and you have enough space between you and other vehicles. Give yourself the space to use avoidance maneuvers when you are on the road.
Make Sure Other Drivers Know Your Intentions: Use signals to ensure that other drivers on the road know what your next move is. It shouldn’t be top secret. If drivers know your intentions, they can prepare and make sure you’re visible to them.
Motorcycle Safety First
Avoiding motorcycle accidents by following New Mexico motorcycle laws and refreshing yourself on the motorcycle safety tips can save your life. Giving yourself the tools to succeed can help you avoid serious injury and even death.
From the team at Ron Bell Injury Lawyers, we wish you a happy, safe, and fun motorcycle season.