In New Mexico, the right turn on red rule remains in effect as of 2025, with no major legislative changes reported for this specific traffic regulation in the latest legislative sessions. According to current New Mexico law, vehicular traffic facing a steady red signal must come to a complete stop before entering the intersection.
After stopping, drivers are permitted to turn right unless a sign prohibits such a turn. Drivers must yield the right-of-way to all pedestrians and vehicles lawfully in or approaching the intersection before proceeding.
Local authorities in New Mexico can prohibit right turns on red at specific intersections if an engineering and traffic investigation determines it is necessary for safety. In such cases, signs will be posted to indicate that right turns on red are not allowed.
Unless a “No Turn on Red” sign is present, right turns on red are legal in New Mexico after a complete stop and yielding to pedestrians and other traffic. There have been no significant updates to this rule in 2025 that would change these requirements.
Sources
[1] https://www.granolaw.com/blog/2025-nm-legislation-how-the-new-laws-affect-your-rights/
[2] https://codes.findlaw.com/nm/chapter-66-motor-vehicles/nm-st-sect-66-7-105/
[3] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turn_on_red
[4] https://themotherinlaw.net/turning-right-on-red-the-why-and-how/
[5] https://www.thedominguezlawfirm.com/blog/what-to-know-about-new-mexico-right-of-way-traffic-laws/
