Bill > SB213

This bill enacts new provisions to require drivers to yield the right of way to transit buses under specific circumstances. The bill first adds several definitions to the Motor Vehicle Code, including definitions for "mass transit", "public mass transit operator", and "transit bus". The key substantive provision is a new section creating a requirement that drivers must yield to a transit bus when the bus is attempting to merge into a traffic lane from a designated bus stop and is displaying an illuminated yield sign. The bill specifies that this requirement does not apply to passenger vans, does not mandate that transit operators install yield signs, and does not relieve bus drivers from their existing traffic law obligations. Violations of this new provision would be classified as a penalty assessment misdemeanor, which typically involves a monetary fine. The bill also updates various related sections of the Motor Vehicle Code to incorporate the new definitions and references to transit buses. This legislation aims to improve traffic flow and safety by creating a formal protocol for how other drivers should interact with public transit buses when they are rejoining traffic from bus stops.

Budget and Finance, Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.nmlegis.gov/Legislation/Legislation?chamber=S&legtype=B&legno=213&year=25