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NM HB270: AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR VEHICLES; ADDING DEFINITIONS TO THE MOTOR VEHICLE CODE; PROVIDING FOR AUTONOMOUS MOTOR VEHICLES; REQUIRING PERMITS; ALLOWING…

Effective Jul 1, 2022 New Mexico · 2021 session

Last verified Oct 12, 2026 · official bill text

HB270 · where it stands

All steps complete
  1. Introduced Complete
  2. Passed first chamber Complete
  3. Passed both chambers Complete
  4. Enacted Complete
  5. Effective Since Jul 1, 2022
What do these statuses mean?
Introduced
Filed in the legislature; may be waiting for a committee hearing.
Passed a chamber
Approved by one or both chambers; awaiting further action.
Enacted
Signed into law, or became law without a signature or over a veto.
Effective date
The date the law says it takes effect. Once it has passed, the page shows "Effective" and the date. A court order can still block a law; if we know of one, the summary says so.
Dead / vetoed
Vetoed, failed, or the session ended without action.
View full title

AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR VEHICLES; ADDING DEFINITIONS TO THE MOTOR VEHICLE CODE; PROVIDING FOR AUTONOMOUS MOTOR VEHICLES; REQUIRING PERMITS; ALLOWING PLATOONING OF MOTOR VEHICLES.

In one paragraph

New Mexico's HB 270 (Laws 2021, Chapter 114) sets rules for autonomous motor vehicles. It adds Motor Vehicle Code definitions for automated driving systems (SAE levels 3 to 5), autonomous and autonomous commercial motor vehicles and their operators, and allows platooning. Anyone testing an autonomous vehicle on a public highway must notify the Department of Transportation at least five calendar days in advance. Autonomous vehicles must meet federal safety standards and be able to obey state traffic laws, and local governments may not ban them solely for being automated. It took effect July 1, 2022.

Plain-English summary, written with AI assistance. The official text controls.

What it means for business

AV developers and freight operators may test and run autonomous vehicles in New Mexico after notifying the Department of Transportation; local bans aimed only at automation are preempted.

Key provisions

  1. Defines automated driving system (SAE J3016 levels 3-5), autonomous motor vehicle, autonomous commercial motor vehicle and autonomous motor vehicle operator
  2. Testing on a public highway requires notice to the Department of Transportation at least five calendar days ahead (vehicle serial numbers, routes, automation level)
  3. Autonomous vehicles must meet federal motor vehicle safety standards and be able to comply with state traffic laws
  4. Political subdivisions may not prohibit AV testing or operation solely because a vehicle has an automated driving system
  5. Allows platooning of motor vehicles
  6. Effective July 1, 2022

Latest legislative action

Apr 6, 2021. Signed by Governor - Chapter 114

Topics and industries

Related topics

Autonomous Vehicles

Affected industries

TransportationTechnologyGovernment

This page is general information, not legal advice. Summaries are AI-assisted and may contain errors; read the statute for the controlling text and talk to a lawyer about your situation. Full disclaimer · Report an error

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