No Insurance

Legal Definition

A person commits this offense by operating a motor vehicle in New Mexico without maintaining financial responsibility (motor vehicle liability insurance) as required by law. New Mexico law requires all motor vehicle owners and operators to carry minimum liability coverage for bodily injury and property damage. Proof of insurance must be provided upon the request of a law enforcement officer.

Possible Punishment

Up to 90 days in county jail and a fine of $300 to $1,000. The court may also impose a $300 uninsured motorist fee. A second or subsequent conviction within three years carries enhanced penalties, including possible vehicle impoundment and suspension of driving privileges. The Motor Vehicle Division will suspend the driver's license and vehicle registration until proof of insurance is provided.

Criminal Traffic Cases in Doña Ana County

Not every traffic offense is a ticket. Driving on a suspended or revoked license, reckless driving, and fleeing an officer are criminal charges that end in booking rather than a citation, and they appear constantly in our feed. Suspended-license charges in particular tend to snowball: unpaid fines lead to suspension, driving anyway leads to arrest, and missing the court date adds a bench warrant.

Criminal traffic cases are heard in Las Cruces Municipal Court for city violations and Doña Ana Magistrate Court for state charges. If alcohol or drugs are involved, the case moves into DWI territory with its own mandatory penalties.

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