NMDOT Traffic Safety Division / Office of Safety Programs
Amber Montoya, Staff Manager
505-231-5556
amber.montoya1@dot.nm.gov

Cora Lee Anaya, Motorcycle Safety Program Manager
505-490-1183
coraL.anaya@dot.nm.gov

Location:
1120 Cerrillos Rd, (SB1S)
P.O. Box 1149
Santa Fe, NM  87504-1149

Share the road with motorcycles.

Motorcyclists have the same road rights as other motorists. The New Mexico Department of Transportation supports motorcycle safety and proper training. Resources are listed below.

New Mexico Motorcycle Safety Program (NMMSP)

Other Program Contacts

Motorcycle Safety Foundation: New Mexico Representative
Leanne Early, MSF Program Manager
505-312-8430 (text or call) or 877-667-8880
learly@msf-usa.org

The New Mexico Department of Transportation supports motorcyclists and strongly encourages training. Training gives you a thorough understanding of handling and safety and earns a completion card which when presented to the NM MVD will receive a motorcycle endorsement test waiver of the state-required written and riding skills tests.

New Mexico State Law requires your motorcycle endorsement

The motorcycle training program is statutorily mandated §66-7-506 as provided in Section §66-10-10 to institute and administer a statewide motorcycle training program. The New Mexico Department of Transportation, Traffic Safety Division provides a quality, statewide motorcycle safety rider training program designed to provide an introduction to skilled, responsible motorcycling to prevent crashes and reduce the incidence of DWI in New Mexico.

All money in the motorcycle training fund is appropriated to the bureau for the purpose of instituting the motorcycle training program.  NMDOT Traffic Safety Division provides funds for a contract and is partially funded by a $5 motorcycle registration fee.  In addition, student training fees provide additional funding for the training program.

Motorcycle riders are required by NM statute to obtain an endorsement. Learn more below.

  • Motorcycle Endorsement §66-5-2 – Motorcycle riders are required by NM statute to obtain an endorsement.  In order to operate a motorcycle on a New Mexico highway a driver must have a valid license with a motorcycle (W, Y or Z) endorsement.  An endorsement is a credential that is added to an existing license stating that motorcyclist is now legally allowed to ride a motorcycle on public roads. All applicants for a motorcycle endorsement that are under the age of 18 years are required by NM State law to attend and complete the Basic Rider Course.

MVD link for current endorsement information https://www.mvd.newmexico.gov/chapter-2-non-commercial-license/:

Endorsement  Authorizes licensee to operate
W any two- or three-wheeled motorcycle with an engine of 100 or more cubic centimeters piston displacement
Y any two- or three-wheeled motorcycle with an engine of at least 50 but less than 100 cubic centimeters piston displacement
Z any two- or three-wheeled motorcycle with an engine of less than 50 cubic centimeters piston displacement

Moped exception (§66-3-1101(B)).  A moped is a two-wheeled or three-wheeled vehicle with an automatic transmission and a motor having a piston displacement of less than 50 cubic centimeters, which is capable of propelling the vehicle at a maximum speed of not more than 30 miles per hour on level ground at sea level.

Anyone with a valid driver’s license or permit of any class may operate a moped. A motorcycle endorsement is not required.

How do I sign up for motorcycle training?

The following is the link for enrolling or accessing the New Mexico Motorcycle Training Program:

Training Courses & Costs

The Basic RiderCourse (BRC)
https://nm-msp.org/getting-started/

The Basic Rider Course 2 License Waiver (BRC2 – LW)
https://nm-msp.org/basic-ridercourse-2-license-waiver/ 

    What do I bring?

    All students must provide and wear the following personal items for all on-motorcycle instruction:

    • Must wear a DOT-compliant helmet – Half, three quarters or whole face helmets are acceptable. If no face shield is on helmet, participants are required to have separate eye protection i.e., safety goggles or sunglasses.
    • Over-the-ankle footwear. (not cloth, canvas, etc.)
    • Long non-flare denim pants or material of equivalent or better durability.
    • Long-sleeved shirt or jacket.
    • Full-fingered gloves, preferably leather.
    • Must bring state identification i.e., driver’s license.
    • Must bring proof of completion of the online eCourse. Check in our What Type Of Training do I need section.
    • Water is provided; however, recommend you bring drinks i.e., sport drinks, high protein snacks, sunscreen, rain gear or appropriate gear for the weather forecast.

    Current Training Site Locations

    Currently operating in: Albuquerque, Farmington, Roswell, Alamogordo, Las Cruces-Santa Teresa. The program areas provide sufficient sites statewide with sufficient frequency for training.

    Motorcycle Safety Foundation Curricula

    The New Mexico Motorcycle Training program uses only nationally recognized Motorcycle Safety Foundation curriculum in the training programs. The formal program of instruction includes training in crash avoidance and other safety-oriented skills.

    Quality Assurance

    The contract requires quality assurance standards to ensure instruction provided in New Mexico meets or exceeds Motorcycle Safety Foundation standards.  Every required training site receives a visit, and extensive report annually.  Where there are areas of improvement, evaluators provide training to ensure instructors and facilities meet the highest standards. 

    Helmets

    All New Mexico Motorcycle Safety Program (NMMSP) participants are required to wear a DOT-compliant helmet during training.

    No person under the age of 18 shall operate a motorcycle unless he is wearing a safety helmet that is securely fastened on his head in a normal manner, and that meets federal motor vehicle safety standards.

    Nor shall any person carry a motorcycle passenger under the age of 18 unless the passenger is wearing a securely fastened safety helmet that meets federal standards.

    Wearing a DOT-compliant helmet is imperative to the safety of motorcycle riders. Using a DOT-compliant helmet can drastically increase survival rates in the event of a vehicle crash.

    Learn how to identify a safe, DOT-compliant helmet by visiting this site https://www.nhtsa.gov/motorcycle-safety/choose-right-motorcycle-helmet.

    Motorcycle Safety Foundation Completion Card

    This is a card that is issued to students who successfully complete the BRC, the BRC2-LW.  Currently, the completion card when presented to the NM MVD will receive a motorcycle endorsement. New Mexico residents that don’t currently hold a driver’s license may be required to take a written test at MVD.

    Partnerships/Stakeholders

    • New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division:  New Mexico partners with the Motor Vehicle Division in several aspects of the motorcycle program to include quality assurance control and ensuring that current testing standards are met and standardized throughout statewide MVD offices.  The NMMSP provides support to MVD so that MVD endorsement testers who administer the motorcycle riding test for licensure are consistent with the NMMSP. This partnership focuses on supporting the people of New Mexico to streamline licensure, while maintaining high standards for training and evaluation.
    • The New Mexico Motorcycle Advisory Committee:  The council is made up of representatives from government, business, riding groups, rights groups, legal experts, MSF, law enforcement etc. who meet annually to work on motorcycle initiatives.  The group is action oriented, and an agent for change.
    • Motorcycle Dealerships:  The NMMSP works with New Mexico motorcycle dealerships who volunteer to host a “Safety Days and in other outreach efforts.
    • Safer New Mexico Now:  The NMDOT Traffic Safety Division funds a contract to provide clearinghouse services statewide, including distributing traffic safety materials directly related to supporting planned strategies and projects. The Clearinghouse contracted agency, Safer New Mexico Now, staff prepares, prints, and distributes traffic safety materials, reports and newsletters used for public information and education, or promotion of program activities. It also provides funds for Injury Prevention Resource Center (IPRC) promotional materials for NMDOT/TSD programs including Motorcycle Safety.
      • Media messaging material is targeted not solely to the motorcyclist, but to all the driving public and is focused on looking out for motorcyclists and sharing the road. Communication and outreach strategies increase motorcyclist safety and awareness for both motorcyclists and other drivers on the roadways.
      • Please visit the website to view material.  The Website to access the Traffic Safety Clearinghouse to obtain free materials:  https://shop.safernm.org/motorcycle-safety, https://shop.safernm.org/login  or https://shop.safer.  You will need to create an account to begin your ordering.

    May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month

    Annually, New Mexico participates in the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) supported Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month which focuses on mutual responsibility for the safety of motorcyclists. The New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) reminds motorists to be aware of motorcyclists through ‘Share the Road’ media and roadway messaging utilized primarily during the summer months and during safety event periods.

    Motorcycle Safety | Traffic Safety Marketing https://www.trafficsafetymarketing.gov/safety-topics/motorcycle-safety#2776

    Tips for Motorists

    Because vehicle drivers control a much larger machine, it is imperative they keep close watch for motorcyclist and follow these tips to prevent a fatal crash with a motorcycle:

    • Though a motorcycle is a small vehicle, its operator still has the same rights of the road as any other motorist. Always allow the motorcycle the full width of a lane.
    • Always use a turn signal when changing lanes or merging with traffic.
    • If you see a motorcycle with a signal on, be careful: motorcycle signals are often non-canceling, and the motorcyclist could have forgotten to turn it off. Always ensure the motorcycle is turning before proceeding.
    • Check all mirrors and blind spots for motorcycles before changing lanes or merging with traffic, especially at intersections.
    • Always allow three to four seconds of follow distance behind a motorcycle. This gives them more time to maneuver or stop in an emergency.
    • Never drive distracted or impaired.

    At the same time, motorcyclists must take extra precautions to guard against drivers who may not see them. Motorcyclists may follow these tips to prevent a fatal crash with a vehicle:

    • Wear a DOT-compliant helmet and other protective gear.
    • Obey all traffic laws and be properly licensed.
    • Use hand and turn signals at every lane change or turn.
    • Wear brightly colored clothes and reflective tape to increase visibility.
    • Ride in the middle of the lane where you will be more visible to drivers.
    • Never ride distracted or impaired.

    For more information on motorcycle safety, visit www.nhtsa.gov/road-safety/motorcycles.