Check Your Driver's License Status

Whenever you need or want to check the status of your driver’s license, you can order a driving record report. This record will spell out if your driver’s license is currently valid. Should your license have been revoked or suspended, the report will indicate that according to what’s on record at the MVD. This report will also show points against your license and, in some cases, information on any accidents you have had.

Your Driving Privilege

Possessing a driver's license is a privilege granted you by the State of New Mexico, not a right you can take for granted. There are rules and regulations that you must abide by on the road lest your license be suspended or revoked.

The Point System

In the state of New Mexico, certain traffic convictions can add "points" to your driving record. The number of points you'll receive varies depending on the violation. If you have 12 or more points added to your record within the span of a year, the New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) will suspend your license for a year.

Common traffic violations that earn a driver points include speeding, failure to wear a seatbelt, failure to stop for a stop sign, and failure to yield. Not only will these convictions be added to your driving record, they can cost you a lot of money from traffic tickets.

DWI and Other Major Offenses

There are some traffic violations that are so severe that they result in automatic license suspension and land you in court. Such offenses include driving without car insurance and using someone else's driver's license.

The most dangerous violation, one that the state of New Mexico is passionately concerned about, is driving while intoxicated (DWI).

It is estimated that more than 250,000 people have died in alcohol-related vehicular accidents in the past decade. In New Mexico, the penalties for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs are severe.

The MVD has the authority to revoke your license, should you be convicted of a DWI―and the offense will remain on your driving record for a whopping 25 years. It is important for you to know that refusing to let a police officer give you a blood alcohol content (BAC) test can also result in the immediate suspension of your license.

Preventing License Suspension

The best way to ensure that your license doesn't get suspended is to be a safe and courteous driver. Driver education courses are intended to teach all of us how to conduct ourselves properly out on the road.

It is a good idea to occasionally brush up on these early lessons by looking over a recent copy of New Mexico's driver handbook. Not only does this manual explain all of the rules of driving, but a recent copy will also include any new traffic laws that have been set since you first applied for your driver's license.

Limited License

If your driver's license is suspended or revoked, you may apply for a limited license. If approved, you'll be able to drive to and from work, school, and court-ordered treatment programs. The cost of a limited license is $45.

Some offenses, such as being convicted of vehicular homicide, disqualify you for this limited license.

Contact your local MVD for more information.

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