New Mexico Work Zone Laws

How New Mexico handles work zones

New Mexico posts 'double fine zone' signs in advance of the work, and inside them the penalty assessment for speeding is twice the normal amount (NMSA 66-7-301). It rides on the posted signs, not on a visible crew. The state leans on double-fine zones rather than a statewide work-zone speed-camera program; recent proposals to authorize cameras have not become law. Obey every sign and flagger through the zone (66-7-303.1). Only texting is banned statewide.

Speed, fines, phone, and the flagger

• Speed rule: The DOT sets and posts the work-zone limit (from an engineering study) and marks the double-fine zone with signs in advance of the work. The reduced limit and the doubling apply whenever the zone is posted, no workers required (NMSA 66-7-301). Always while signed.
• Fine multiplier: Doubled. The penalty assessment is twice the normal amount for the same mph over when you speed in a posted double-fine construction zone on an interstate or state highway (NMSA 66-7-301). Applies whenever the zone is signed.
• Phone in a work zone: Covered by the general handheld rule
• Flagger authority: You must obey all signs, signals, markings, and flaggers placed to guide traffic through a construction zone (NMSA 66-7-303.1). Disobeying is a misdemeanor.
• Base fine: Base speeding penalty assessment is modest, roughly $30 to $100 depending on how far over, doubled in a posted double-fine construction zone.

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