In New Mexico, as well as elsewhere in the United States, it is possible to get a DUI due to being impaired by a substance other than an illicit drug or alcohol. Even prescription medications can cause DUIs. It’s not just prescription medications, either....
If you refuse a Breathalyzer test, will you lose your license?
If you decide to refuse a Breathalyzer test after a traffic stop, you should know that the decision to do so many seriously affect your future. Your license will be suspended if you don't take the test because you violated the implied consent law. While some people...
What kinds of illnesses mimic intoxication?
Alcohol intoxication makes people’s bodies respond in different ways. Depending on how much they’ve had to drink, they may feel impaired or totally fine. Some may have slower reaction times. Others may realize that they have a change in their attitude or actions. If...
The death toll caused by drunk driving
A significant decrease in drunk driving fatalities happened over the last several years in New Mexico. But there is still much work that to do in this area. Driving a motor vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol is a criminal offense that can bring...
Can a vehicle passenger be arrested for drinking?
It seems like a passenger wouldn't be able to get a DWI because they wouldn’t be driving while intoxicated or under the influence. By definition, they’re not in control of the vehicle. But does that mean that it’s legal for them to drink in the vehicle? Open...
Drinking is up, but DWIs and DWI-related accidents are down in New Mexico
There have been a lot of changes in 2020 to the way that Americans live, work and play. Those changes have led to a remarkable drop in DWI fatalities and arrests in New Mexico even though evidence suggests that alcohol consumption has actually increased. It’s not...
Drunk driving laws and penalties in New Mexico
Drivers in New Mexico are considered intoxicated when they operate passenger vehicles with blood alcohol concentrations of .08% or higher or commercial vehicles with BACs of .04% or higher. For motorists who are not permitted to consume alcohol because they are under...
5 common factors in large truck accidents
Drivers in Santa Fe and Albuquerque encounter 18-wheelers on a regular basis. These can be as much as 20 times heavier than the average passenger vehicle. Therefore, getting into an accident with a semi-truck often results in catastrophic injuries or death. Below are...
Eating while driving is a major distraction
New Mexico drivers should be aware that eating and drinking while on the road can constitute a major distraction. A Lytx study from 2014 says that drivers are 3.6 times more likely to crash when eating or drinking. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration...
An overview of New Mexico DUI laws
If your blood alcohol content (BAC) is .08% or higher, you cannot legally drive a vehicle in New Mexico. You could be subject to a variety of penalties for doing so such as jail time, a driver's license suspension and a fine. You may need to have an ignition interlock...
