N.M. Code R. § 18.19.5.30

Current through Register Vol. 35, No. 11, June 11, 2024

Section 18.19.5.30 - DRIVER LICENSE CLASSIFICATIONS

A. Driver's licenses, other than licenses issued under the New Mexico Commercial Driver's License Act, shall be issued under the following classifications:

Class Vehicles Licensee Authorized to Drive

D Until October 1, 1996: Other than any vehicle included in class C, any single vehicle less than 26,001 pounds gross vehicle weight, and such vehicles towing vehicles weighing:

(1) not more than 10,000 pounds gross vehicle weight, provided that the towing vehicle is of equal or greater weight than the vehicle being towed; or

(2) more than 10,000 pounds gross vehicle weight provided that either the towing vehicle is of equal or greater weight than the vehicle being towed or, if the towing vehicle is of lesser weight than the towed vehicle, the weight in the towed vehicle does not exceed the manufacturer's rated capacity and:

(a) the towing vehicle has either a class 4 or higher equalizing hitch or a fifth wheel;

(b) the vehicle being towed is a trailer; or

(c) the vehicle combination properly displays slow-moving insignia and moves at speeds of 25 mph or less.

On and after October 1, 1996: Other than any vehicle included in class C, any single vehicle less than 26,001 pounds gross vehicle weight, and such vehicles towing vehicles provided that:

(1) the towing vehicle is of equal or greater weight than the vehicle being towed; or

(2) if the towing vehicle is of lesser weight than the towed vehicle, the weight in the towed vehicle does not exceed the manufacturer's rated capacity and:

(a) the towing vehicle has either a class 4 or higher equalizing hitch or a fifth wheel;

(b) the vehicle being towed is a trailer; or

(c) the vehicle combination properly displays slow-moving insignia and moves at speeds of 25 mph or less.

In order to operate a motorcycle a driver must have a motorcycle endorsement.

E Any vehicle or combination of vehicles described in 18.19.5.112 NMAC (vehicle drivers excluded from the requirement to hold a commercial driver's license) and any class D vehicle. In order to operate a motorcycle a driver must have a motorcycle endorsement.

M Two- or three-wheeled motorcycles. This classification of license must have an endorsement of "Z", "Y" or "W" to be valid. This class of license is issued to drivers who drive only a motorcycle vehicle.

B. New Mexico driver's licenses classes 1 through 5 issued under the former classification system remain valid until expiration, replacement with a class A, B, C, D, E or M driver's license or revocation or cancellation under the provisions of the Motor Vehicle Code.

C. A class E license will be issued only to individuals who are exempt from the requirements of the New Mexico Commercial Driver's License Act.

N.M. Code R. § 18.19.5.30

2/28/90, 9/17/91, 10/2/92, 8/20/93, 10/31/96; 18.19.5.30 NMAC - Rn & A, 18 NMAC 19.5.9.1, 9/14/00, Adopted by New Mexico Register, Volume XXXIV, Issue 05, March 14, 2023, eff. 3/14/2023