Bill > SB241

This bill establishes the Highway Construction Zone Automated Speed Enforcement Act, which authorizes the New Mexico Department of Transportation to use automated speed detection devices in highway construction zones to detect and enforce speeding violations. Under this legislation, automated cameras will capture images and record the speed of vehicles exceeding posted speed limits, with the New Mexico State Police reviewing the evidence and sending civil fine notices to vehicle owners. The bill creates a strict liability system where registered vehicle owners are responsible for speeding violations, though they can contest the fine through a hearing process with specific allowable defenses, such as vehicle theft or prior law enforcement citation. The civil fines are graduated based on the degree of speed violation: $50 for 6-10 mph over the limit, $100 for 11-15 mph over, and $200 for 16+ mph over the limit. The bill mandates that the traffic safety bureau administer the system, ensures that contractors cannot be compensated based on the number of citations, requires annual calibration of devices by an independent third-party laboratory, and specifies that all collected fines will be retained by the bureau to support the automated enforcement system. The law is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Budget and Finance

https://www.nmlegis.gov/Legislation/Legislation?chamber=S&legtype=B&legno=241&year=25