New Mexico Lift Laws and Vehicle Equipment Laws
New Mexico's street legal laws place no restrictions on a vehicle's suspension system, frame height, or bumper height. Residents are free to install suspension lift kits, aftermarket wheels and tires, performance shocks, aftermarket bumpers, and grille guards.
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Code |
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The New Mexico Statutes (NMS) govern the state's street legal laws. |
NMS Ch. 66
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Dimensions |
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All vehicles driven in New Mexico are restricted to a maximum width of 102 inches, a maximum height of 14 feet, and a maximum single vehicle length of 45 feet. |
NMS 66-7-402
NMS 66-7-404
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Tires |
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All vehicle tires must be safe and without any bulges or exposed cords. New Mexico has no listed minimum tire tread depth. Tire grooving is not covered by the code. |
NMS 66-3-847
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Wheels |
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There are no regulations on wheels found in New Mexico's laws. |
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Brakes |
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New Mexico requires brakes capable of stopping the vehicle within 30 feet from 20 mph. A secondary, mechanical, parking brake is also required. |
NMS 66-3-840
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Steering |
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Steering systems are not covered in New Mexico's code. |
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Suspension |
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There is no suspension lift limit in New Mexico. |
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Frame |
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New Mexico has no maximum vehicle frame height. |
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Bumpers |
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Bumpers are not restricted in New Mexico. |
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Fenders |
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It is unclear if New Mexico requires fenders or mud flaps. |
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Lights |
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In addition to headlights and tail lights, vehicles in New Mexico are allowed to have auxiliary lights.
The maximum number of lights that can be turned on in the front of the vehicle while driving is 4.
Light |
Number |
Min. Height |
Max. Height |
Headlights |
2 min. |
20 inches |
54 inches |
Tail lights |
1 min. |
20 inches |
72 inches |
Spot lights |
2 max. |
n/a |
n/a |
Fog lights |
2 max. |
12 inches |
30 inches |
Aux. passing lights |
1 max. |
24 inches |
42 inches |
Aux. driving lights |
1 max. |
16 inches |
42 inches |
( Measured to the center of the light. )
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NMS 66-3-804
NMS 66-3-805
NMS 66-3-827
NMS 66-3-834
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Windows |
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New Mexico's laws do not specifically state that windshields are required. Vehicles with windshields must, however, be equipped with windshield wipers. |
NMS 66-3-846
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Exhaust |
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In New Mexico, mufflers are required equipment. Exhaust cutouts and bypasses are prohibited. |
NMS 66-3-844
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Engine |
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It is unclear whether or not New Mexico has any engine swap or engine performance modification rules. |
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Emissions |
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Only residents of and commuters to Albuquerque currently require emissions testing in New Mexico. |
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