New Mexico Truck Lane Restrictions

New Mexico is now a statewide truck rule, not keep-right only. Since July 1, 2023, a truck tractor may not run the left lane on any road with two or more lanes each way, except to pass, turn left, or when directed (NMSA 66-7-376). A first or second offense is $250, a third is $500. State Police post reminder signs, but the ban is in the statute.

Rule typeStatewide

The ruleStatewide truck statute since July 1, 2023. A truck tractor may not use the left lane of any highway with two or more lanes in the same direction, except to pass, turn left, or when directed

Fine$250 for a first or second offense, $500 for a third (NMSA 66-7-376).

StatuteNMSA 66-7-376 (SB 102, 2023)

01 The rule

Which lanes a truck can use in New Mexico

02 Where & when

Roads, exceptions, and signs

Where it applies: Any New Mexico highway with two or more lanes each direction - I-25, I-40, I-10, and multi-lane US routes. State Police also post 'trucks use right lane' reminder signs, but the ban is statutory.
Statutory statewide; reminder signs also posted.
General rule: The general keep-right rule for all vehicles is NMSA 66-7-308.
New in 2023 - many older guides still list New Mexico as keep-right only. It is now a statewide truck-tractor left-lane ban.

03 Penalties

What a lane violation costs

$250 for a first or second offense, $500 for a third (NMSA 66-7-376).

New Mexico Truck Lane FAQ

Can a truck drive in the left lane in New Mexico?

Not as a cruising lane. Statewide truck statute since July 1, 2023. A truck tractor may not use the left lane of any highway with two or more lanes in the same direction, except to pass, turn left, or when directed (NMSA 66-7-376, SB 102). No sign needed.. See NMSA 66-7-376 (SB 102, 2023). You may still use it to pass, turn left, or when directed.

Is there a truck lane restriction in New Mexico?

Yes. Statewide truck statute since July 1, 2023. A truck tractor may not use the left lane of any highway with two or more lanes in the same direction, except to pass, turn left, or when directed (NMSA 66-7-376, SB 102). No sign needed. It applies on Any New Mexico highway with two or more lanes each direction - I-25, I-40, I-10, and multi-lane US routes. State Police also post 'trucks use right lane' reminder signs, but the ban is statutory..

What is the fine for a lane violation in New Mexico?

$250 for a first or second offense, $500 for a third (NMSA 66-7-376).

Reference information for planning, not legal advice. Traffic laws change and this can be out of date, so always confirm the current statute and obey posted signs before you rely on it. Last reviewed July 2026. Source: https://www.dot.nm.gov/blog/2023/12/05/new-mexico-state-police-is-reminding-truck-drivers-to-drive-in-the-right-lane/. See our Terms & Disclaimer.

04 Related

Check New Mexico before you roll

Live weather, closures, and hazards on one map. Free, no account.

Open Live Map →

New Mexico Truck Lane Restrictions

Which lanes a truck can use in New Mexico

Roads, exceptions, and signs

What a lane violation costs

New Mexico Truck Lane FAQ

More for New Mexico

New Mexico Speed Limit

New Mexico 511

All Lane Rules

Check New Mexico before you roll