66-3-1011: Operation on streets or highways; prohibited areas.

A. A person shall not operate an off-highway motor vehicle on any:

(1) limited access highway or freeway at any time; or

(2) paved street or highway except as provided in Subsection B, C, D or E of this section.

B. Off-highway motor vehicles may cross streets or highways, except limited access highways or freeways, if the crossings are made after coming to a complete stop prior to entering the roadway. Off-highway motor vehicles shall yield the right of way to oncoming traffic and shall begin a crossing only when it can be executed safely and then cross in the most direct manner as close to a perpendicular angle as possible.

C. If authorized by ordinance or resolution of a local authority or the state transportation commission, a recreational off-highway vehicle or an all-terrain vehicle may be operated on a paved street or highway owned and controlled by the authorizing entity if:

(1) the vehicle has one or more headlights and one or more taillights that comply with the Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Act;

(2) the vehicle has brakes, mirrors and mufflers;

(3) the operator has valid driver's licenses or permits as required under the Motor Vehicle Code and off-highway motor vehicle safety permits as required under the Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Act;

(4) the operator is insured in compliance with the provisions of the Mandatory Financial Responsibility Act [66-5-201 to 66-5-239 NMSA 1978];

(5) the operator of the vehicle is using eye protection that complies with the Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Act; and

(6) if the operator is under eighteen years of age, the operator is wearing a safety helmet that complies with the Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Act.

D. Except for sections of the Motor Vehicle Code that are in conflict with the licensing and equipment requirements of the Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Act, any operator using an off-highway motor vehicle on a paved street or highway shall be subject to the requirements and penalties for operators of moving and parked vehicles under the Motor Vehicle Code.

E. By ordinance or resolution, a local authority or state transportation commission may establish separate speed limits and operating restrictions for off-highway vehicles where they are authorized to operate on paved streets or highways pursuant to Subsection C of this section.

F. A person shall not operate an off-highway motor vehicle on state game commission [state wildlife commission]-owned, -controlled or -administered land except as specifically allowed pursuant to Chapter 17, Article 6 NMSA 1978.

G. A person shall not operate an off-highway motor vehicle on land owned, controlled or administered by the state parks division of the energy, minerals and natural resources department, pursuant to Chapter 16, Article 2 NMSA 1978, except in areas designated by and permitted by rules adopted by the secretary of energy, minerals and natural resources.

H. Unless authorized, a person shall not:

(1) remove, deface or destroy any official sign installed by a state, federal, local or private land management agency; or

(2) install any off-highway motor vehicle-related sign.