Ran Stop Sign

Legal Definition

A person commits this offense by failing to stop at a stop sign as required by law. New Mexico law requires every driver of a vehicle approaching a stop sign to stop at a clearly marked stop line, or if none, before entering the crosswalk on the near side of the intersection, or if none, then at the point nearest the intersecting roadway where the driver has a view of approaching traffic. The vehicle must remain stopped until it is safe to proceed.

Possible Punishment

This is a noncriminal traffic violation subject to a penalty assessment. The standard fine is typically $25 to $100 plus court costs and fees, depending on local court schedules. No jail time is imposed for a civil traffic infraction of this nature.

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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