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Truck Lane Rule
No. NM
Statewide truck law
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 a roadway divided into two or more clearly marked lanes, except when overtaking and passing, or when traffic conditions, flow, or road configuration such as merging traffic require the left lane to stay safe
Fine$250 penalty assessment, flat, with no step-up for a repeat (NMSA 66-8-116, listed as "improper use of travel lane"). The $250 second offense and $500 third offense escalation in that same section applies to oversize and overweight permit violations under 66-7-413, not to the lane law.
StatuteNMSA 66-7-376 (SB 102, 2023)
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The rule
Which lanes a truck can use in New Mexico
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.
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.
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Penalties
What a lane violation costs
$250 penalty assessment, flat, with no step-up for a repeat (NMSA 66-8-116, listed as "improper use of travel lane"). The $250 second offense and $500 third offense escalation in that same section applies to oversize and overweight permit violations under 66-7-413, not to the lane law.
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 a roadway divided into two or more clearly marked lanes, except when overtaking and passing, or when traffic conditions, flow, or road configuration such as merging traffic require the left lane to stay safe (NMSA 66-7-376, SB 102). The ban does not reach a roadway inside a municipality's city limits or a county road, unless that roadway is part of the interstate system. 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 a roadway divided into two or more clearly marked lanes, except when overtaking and passing, or when traffic conditions, flow, or road configuration such as merging traffic require the left lane to stay safe (NMSA 66-7-376, SB 102). The ban does not reach a roadway inside a municipality's city limits or a county road, unless that roadway is part of the interstate system. 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 penalty assessment, flat, with no step-up for a repeat (NMSA 66-8-116, listed as "improper use of travel lane"). The $250 second offense and $500 third offense escalation in that same section applies to oversize and overweight permit violations under 66-7-413, not to the lane law.
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.
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