Driving on a Suspended or Revoked License in New Mexico

Your New Mexico driver's license can be suspended or revoked for a range of reasons. If you drive on a suspended or revoked license before your license is reinstated, you can be charged with a crime.

This article covers some of the most common reasons for suspensions and revocations and the penalties you'll face for driving on a suspended or revoked license in New Mexico.

What Does It Mean to Have Your License Suspended or Revoked?

When your license is suspended or revoked, it generally means that the state has taken away your driving privileges. In other words, while the suspension or revocation is in place, you can't lawfully drive.

General Differences Between Suspension and Revocation

In many states, "revocation" and "suspension" are used synonymously and mean the same thing. However, some states use the term "suspension" to mean a temporary loss of privileges and "revocation" to mean the permanent loss of privileges. But even in states where revocation is permanent, the driver can typically apply for reinstatement after a certain period of time.

Difference Between Suspensions and Revocations in New Mexico

In New Mexico, a suspension and revocation are the same in most respects. However, the penalties for driving on a suspended license are slightly different than those for driving on a revoked license (discussed below).

What Are the Reasons for License Suspension or Revocation in New Mexico?

Some of the more common scenarios where a driver could face license suspension or revocation include:

• being convicted of driving under the influence
• being convicted of vehicular homicide
• being convicted of any felony involving the use of a motor vehicle
• being convicted of a hit-and-run offense where someone dies or is injured
• being convicted of three reckless driving offenses within a year
• refusing an alcohol test in violation of the state's implied consent laws, and
• accumulating too many traffic violation demerit points.

But these are just some of the reasons a motorist could lose driving privileges—many other situations can also lead to license suspension or revocation.

What Are the Penalties for Driving on a Suspended or Revoked License in New Mexico?

Generally, driving while your license is suspended or revoked is a misdemeanor. The penalties for a conviction depend on the circumstances of the offense.

Driving on a Suspended License in New Mexico

A conviction for driving on a suspended license typically carries up to 90 days in jail (or an alternative sentencing program) and a fine of up to $300.

The driver will also face a 30-day vehicle immobilization.

Driving on a Revoked License in New Mexico

Driving on a revoked license carries four to 364 days in jail and up to $1,000 in fines.

The driver will also face an additional one-year revocation and a 30-day vehicle immobilization.

Driving on a DUI-Related Revocation in New Mexico

Driving after your license was revoked for a DUI is a more serious offense. A conviction carries seven to 364 days in jail and $300 to $1,000 in fines.

The driver will also face an additional one-year revocation and a 30-day vehicle immobilization.

How do You Reinstate a Revoked or Suspended License in New Mexico?

The suspension or revocation period varies depending on the situation. But, in any event, after the expiration of your suspension or revocation, you normally must pay a reinstatement fee and might have to meet other conditions before you can legally drive again. The reinstatement fee is generally $25 ($100 for DUI suspensions).

To reinstate your license following a five- or ten-year revocation, you generally must get a judge to issue an "Order of Restoration."

Legal Help for Charges of Driving While Suspended or Revoked

A conviction for driving while suspended or revoked comes with potentially serious consequences. If you've been arrested for one of these offenses, get in contact with an experienced attorney in your area who can help.