12-26-2023 9:21pm

DUI Checkpoints Continue New Mexico Ranks 3rd in DWI Offenses

Chris Edwards Editor

As the New Years approaches the New Mexico State Police reminds the public that Checkpoints and Saturation Patrols are in force across all counties across the State during December 2023. Statewide the State Police are conducting sobriety checkpoints, saturation patrols; and registration, insurance, and driver's license checkpoints in all New Mexico counties during December 2023.

As a public service we are bringing awareness to these events to reduce impaired driving-related fatalities through continued media attention and intensive advertising.

Per the state police: “these checkpoints are helping to change society's attitude about driving while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or drugs.

Hundreds of lives could be saved each year if every driver had the courage to make the right decision not to drive impaired.”

According to NMSA 66-8-102, it is illegal for a person to drive a vehicle if he is under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. The unlawful blood alcohol limit varies for different drivers depending on their age and whether they have a commercial driver’s license.

Drivers younger than 21 years old cannot legally drive when their blood alcohol limit is .02 or higher
Commercial drivers cannot operate a vehicle with a blood alcohol limit that is .04 or higher
Drivers who are at least 21 years old cannot legally drive with a blood alcohol limit of .08 or higher
Driving with a blood alcohol limit of .16 or higher is a more serious offense known as aggravated DWI that carries harsher penalties

Penalties for New Mexico DWI Convictions

Being convicted for violating New Mexico DWI laws can have a drastic impact on a person’s life. The conviction will be listed on the person’s criminal record and driving record. The person’s blood-alcohol limit, whether someone was injured during the incident and prior convictions are all factors during sentencing.

Up to 90 days in jail, a $300 fine, and at least 24 hours of community service for a first misdemeanor DWI offense
Up to 364 days in jail, a $500 fine, a minimum of 4 days in jail, and at least 48 hours of community service for a second misdemeanor DWI offense
Up to 364 days in jail, a $750 fine, a minimum of 30 days in jail, and at least 96 hours of community service for a third misdemeanor DWI offense
Up to 18 months in prison, a $5,000 fine, and a minimum of six months in jail for a fourth offense DWI, which is a fourth-degree felony
Up to 2 years in prison, a $5,000 fine, and a minimum of 1 year in prison, for a fifth offense DWI, which is a fourth-degree felony
Up to 30 months in prison, a $5,000 fine, and a minimum of 18 months in prison, for a sixth offense DWI, which is a third-degree felony
Up to 3 years in prison, a $5,000 fine, and a minimum of 2 years in prison, for a seventh or subsequent DWI, which is a third-degree felony.

A recent report shows New Mexico ranked in the top three when it comes to drunk driving deaths. According to the New Mexico Department of Transportation's data, last year, law enforcement made 8,329 DWI arrests. As the holiday season continues and folks are planning New Years celebrations we encourage you to select a designated driver or use Uber or other alternative transportation services.