New Mexico Motorcycle Helmet Laws (2025)
Contributor
Reviewed By Adam Ramirez, J.D.
Editor
Helmets work—in New Mexico and beyond. According to the Centers for Disease Control, helmets reduce the risk of head injury in motorcycle crashes by up to 69% nationwide. Riders who wear helmets have a lower risk of injury or death, regardless of whether they ride for pleasure or to commute.
If you plan to ride on any of the Land of Enchantment’s 25 scenic byways or elsewhere in the state, it’s essential to understand when helmet laws may apply to you.
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Are Motorcycle Helmets Required in New Mexico?
New Mexico has a mandatory helmet law. Mandatory motorcycle helmet laws are meant to increase helmet usage among those covered. As a result, riders covered by the law can be better protected when they are involved in motorcycle accidents. New Mexico motorcycle helmet laws cover some, but not all, riders.
Helmet Requirements by Age, Insurance and License Type
New Mexico’s helmet law only applies to riders under 18 years old. This means operators and passengers must wear helmets until their 18th birthday. After that date, they can ride without a helmet.
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Approved Helmet Standards in New Mexico
New Mexico motorcycle helmet laws do not specify the type of helmets required. Instead, they delegate that responsibility to the state’s transportation secretary. Under the delegated authority, the transportation department determined that all helmets approved by the U.S. Department of Transportation satisfy the state’s laws.
You can identify compliant helmets because they will include a sticker or label stating that they meet national standards. Any helmet that does not include this designation may not adequately protect you from motorcycle accident injuries in a crash or satisfy New Mexico motorcycle helmet laws.
Penalties for Violating Helmet Laws in New Mexico
Police can stop a minor who rides without a helmet, and they can enforce motorcycle helmet violations as primary violations. This means a police officer can stop a rider specifically to determine whether they are subject to New Mexico motorcycle helmet laws.
A violation is typically counted as a misdemeanor. The standard fine for a motorcycle helmet violation is $300. Since it is classified as a misdemeanor, a court could also impose jail time.
However, the state does not generally add points to your driving record for violating the helmet laws. This means helmet violations should not jeopardize your motorcycle license.
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Exceptions or Special Cases in New Mexico
New Mexico does not exempt anyone from its motorcycle helmet laws, except those 18 or older.
Legal Help After a Motorcycle Accident in New Mexico
Whether you have questions about state laws or are looking for the best motorcycle accident lawyer in New Mexico has to offer after a motorcycle accident, the team at ConsumerShield can help. We connect people like you with trusted attorneys nearby. Contact us for a free case review and lawyer referral today.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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New Mexico motorcycle helmet laws specifically state that a minor failing to wear a helmet does not constitute contributory negligence. Thus, a lawyer can file an accident claim for your injuries even if you were injured while violating the helmet law.
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Yes. New Mexico law doesn’t prevent cities from passing local ordinances that require motorcycle helmets for riders 18 or older.
