Pay Traffic Ticket in New Mexico

Know Your Options

What it Means to Pay Your NM Traffic Ticket

Paying a traffic citation is an admission of guilt. This means:

• You have forfeited your right to challenge the traffic ticket in court
• The violation will appear on your driving record, possibly causing a jump in your car insurance rates
• The New Mexico MVD will assign points to your driving record
• Additional points on your driving record may lead to a suspended or revoked driver's license
• You likely have the option to attend a court-approved driver improvement school. Course completion will help you reduce points on your driving record.

Failing to pay the traffic ticket comes with repercussions. The MVD will suspend your New Mexico driver's license and the presiding court may issue a bench warrant for your arrest.

Pleading Guilty as New Mexico CDL Holder

You must, by law, notify your employer within 30 days of any traffic violation conviction. This applies to all situations. Even if you're ticketed for speeding in Utah while driving your own car, you'd still need to notify your boss. In addition, you must also report any traffic violations to the MVD within 30 days of being cited.

Check out New Mexico's Commercial Driver License Manual for a complete list of rules and regulations.

Pleading Not Guilty

You also own the right to challenge the citation in court by pleading not guilty. Presenting a solid defense may sway the court to reduce charges or even dismiss the ticket.

Read the Traffic Citation

If the ticket's "Penalty Assessment" box is checked, you may pay the posted fine without appearing in court. However, if the ticket's "Court Appearance" or "Traffic Arraignment" box is checked, you must first appear in court before submitting any type of payment. Detailed explanations will be posted on the citation.

If you cannot find your citation, read what to do in our Lost Traffic Ticket section.

Pay Your NM Traffic Ticket

If the citation's "Penalty Assessment" box is checked and you elect to admit guilt by paying the ticket, be sure to act before the due date, which is posted on the citation, expires. Due dates vary by county and town, usually ranging from 15 to 30 days starting from the traffic ticket's issue date.

Depending on the presiding court, you may have the following payment options: mail, in person, online and phone. Payment options will be explained on the back of the citation.

Pay Online

A few courts offer this option. You will need a valid credit card.

Pay by Mail

Read the ticket for detailed instructions on how to submit payment. Mail payment and ticket to the court address listed on the citation. Be sure to write the citation number on your check or money order.

Pay in Person

Deliver payment in person to the court listed on the citation. Play it safe and call ahead. Ask about accepted forms of payment (some courts may not accept credit cards) and if the court requires proof of identification.

Pay by Phone

Some courts may allow payment over phone, requiring a valid credit card. Contact the specific court if you don't find instructions on your actual citation.

Get Points Removed From Your Driving Record

Depending on your situation, attending a driving improvement school approved by the court will spare your driving record of additional points. This option can only be used once every 18 months.

Check Your Driving Record

It's always smart to check your driving record for accuracy after getting cited. Immediately notify the MVD if you detect any errors with points or listed violations.

Shop for Better Car Insurance Rates

Increased auto insurance premiums usually coincide with traffic tickets. You can always counter increased premiums by shopping for a new car insurance provider. Comparing car insurance rates online is a fast and easy way to find coverage that meets your needs and fits your budget.