No, lane splitting remains illegal in New Mexico as of 2024, with no legislative or regulatory changes anticipated before 2026. The state’s traffic statutes (NMSA §66-7-316) prohibit motorcyclists from overtaking vehicles within the same lane, and local law enforcement agencies, including the Albuquerque Police Department, actively enforce this prohibition. While advocacy groups like the New Mexico Motorcycle Rights Organization continue lobbying for legalization, current statutes classify lane splitting as a moving violation punishable by fines up to $100.
Key Regulations for Lane Splitting in New Mexico
- Statutory Prohibition: NMSA §66-7-316 explicitly bans motorcycles from operating between lanes of traffic or adjacent rows of vehicles, treating it as a primary offense.
- Local Enforcement Priorities: The New Mexico Department of Transportation’s 2023 Traffic Safety Report identifies lane splitting as a high-risk behavior, directing officers to issue citations during targeted enforcement campaigns.
- No Exceptions for Low-Speed Scenarios: Even in congested traffic or at speeds under 10 mph, the statute does not differentiate between stationary and moving traffic, leaving no legal pathway for lane filtering.