Green Driver State Incentives in New Mexico
New Mexico has a few green driver incentives to encourage residents to adopt eco-friendly driving habits. These include emissions test exemptions for certain electric vehicles and hybrids, fuel-efficient auto insurance discounts, federal tax credits for alternative fuel vehicles, and more. Read on for details on how to save money for going green.
New Mexico Emissions Test Exemptions for Green Vehicles
New Mexico grants emissions test exemptions to a few types of fuel-efficient vehicles:
- Dedicated electric vehicles (EV).
- Electric hybrid vehicles*.
- New vehicles (for four years following initial vehicle registration from the manufacturer's certificate of origin date).
*Certain previously exempted electric hybrid vehicles may skip the emissions test. Refer to the NM Emissions Requirements page for specifics.
New Mexico emissions test requirements don't extend beyond Bernalillo County. In fact, only the following drivers—with a vehicle more than 4 years old—must obtain an air care certificate as a requirement of NM vehicle registration:
- Those who drive their vehicle in Bernalillo County.
- Those who drive their vehicle into Bernalillo County.
- Those whose vehicles are present in Bernalillo County for 60 days or more per year while registered outside of county or state lines.
For full details on vehicles required to undergo an emissions test, visit our page on New Mexico smog checks. You can also find a nearby emissions testing center by scrolling down to the locator widget at the bottom of this page.
Federal Tax Incentives for Buying a Fuel-Efficient Car
To entice American taxpayers to go green, the government offers numerous federal tax credits for buying a fuel-efficient vehicle such as one of the following:
- Electric car (EV).
- Hybrid.
- Plug-In hybrid (PEV).
- Diesel.
- Other Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV).
For full details on these tax breaks for eco-friendly vehicle owners, consult fueleconomy.gov's Tax Incentive Information Center. And as always, be sure to consult your preferred tax preparer or an agent from your local IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center if questions arise regarding how to take advantage of tax incentives.
NM Auto Insurance Discounts for Eco-Friendly Drivers
Auto insurance discounts abound if you drive an eco-friendly vehicle or have green driving habits. It all depends on whether your New Mexico auto insurance provider rewards planet-conscious driving. Specifically, green vehicle discounts include, but are not limited to:
- Hybrid auto discounts.
- Alternative fuel vehicle (AFV) discounts.
- Economy car discounts.
- Low-mileage discounts.
- Pay-as-you-drive discounts.
The trick is finding the provider that offers quality coverage, budget-friendly rates, and worthwhile incentives. For example, you might receive a 10% discount on car insurance for owning or leasing a hybrid car, if you maintain low mileage can earn even bigger discounts.
If your current NM auto insurance carrier doesn't reward eco-friendly driving, find one that does. Compare auto insurance rates online and save some green for going green.
NM Extended Weight Limit for Idle Reduction Technology
For a vehicle equipped with idle reduction technology, New Mexico extends the total gross weight limit. The same applies for a combination of vehicles.
The weight limit increase compensates for the extra weight idle reduction adds. Calculate the total gross weight after imposing axle group load limitations. For exact load allowances per distance between first and last axles, refer to the New Mexico Statutes 66-7-410.
Keep Up with Current New Mexico Green Driver Incentives
The following incentives and related vehicle laws specific to protecting the planet are subject to change. Two additional resources worth consulting include your local New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) branch and the Alternative Fuels Data Center.
Find a Nearby New Mexico Emissions Testing Station
Locate the closest NM smog and emissions testing station with the widget below:
