DWI FAQ

What is required for administrative revocation for DWI? (§66-5-29 and §§ 66-8-107 through 66-8-112)

In our administrative hearing, the law enforcement officer has only four points to prove:

1. that the law enforcement officer had reasonable grounds to believe the driver was driving a motor vehicle while under the influence of intoxicating liquor;
2. that the person was arrested;
3. that the administrative hearing was held no later than 90 days after the notice of revocation; and that
4. either: a) the person refused to submit to the test upon request of the law enforcement officer; or b) a chemical test was administered and the test results indicated an alcohol concentration of .08 or more for a person 21 years of age or older, .04 or more if the person is a Commercial Driver’s License holder or .02 or more if the person is less than 21 years of age.

How long is the DWI license revocation period?

Implied Consent

• • Adult Refusal – One year
  • Adult 1st Offense – Six months
  • Adult 2nd and Subsequent Offense – One year
  • Juvenile – One year

Criminal

• • 1st Offense – One year
  • 2nd Offense – Two years
  • 3rd Offense – Three years
  • 4th and subsequent Offense – Lifetime

What do I need to do to reinstate my driver’s license once my revocation period is over? (§66-5-33.1 (B) (4))

The driver must have “a minimum of six months of driving with an ignition interlock license with no attempts to circumvent or tamper with the ignition interlock device.” The New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division interprets this to mean a consecutive recent six months with no break in service or license status. After the interlock license is issued, if a failure to appear in court violation, a parental responsibility violation, an unpaid citation violation or any other offense that would invalidate the driving privileges is placed on the driving record, the six-month period would restart again on the date the driving privileges are restored.

You will need to provide proof of your identity, pay a $102 reinstatement fee, and take the written and road exams, if you have been revoked for more than a five-year period.

If you were under a five-year or a 10-year denial period, you must petition a district court in your county of residence to restore your driving privileges. A Restoration Packet will be provided by any local MVD office along with a copy of your driving history. Exception: MVD field offices may not provide restoration packets to residents of Bernalillo County. The Bernalillo County restoration packet is available only from the Second Judicial District Court at 400 Lomas NW in Albuquerque.

If you are under a current lifetime revocation, you are eligible to apply to a district court for removal of the ignition interlock device requirement and restoration of the license five years from the date of conviction and every five years thereafter.

Anyone on revocation for a DWI offense is eligible to apply for and receive an Ignition Interlock License upon providing proof of insurance and the installation of an Ignition Interlock Device in any car the individual drives.

What happens when my court case is dismissed, but my license is still revoked?

Handling DWI cases in New Mexico involves two separate actions: a Judicial Court Hearing and an Administrative Hearing. Each action is conducted independently and governed by separate statutes. The Court holds the authority to determine guilt or innocence, while the administrative hearing also has the power to reach a similar verdict. Depending on the findings, your driving record may be impacted under either or both sets of laws. It is essential to highlight that while your judicial court case may be dismissed, administrative action remains in effect. In such a scenario, compliance with the interlock license and device requirement for a minimum of six months is necessary.

What happens if I downgrade to an ID from an Interlock License?

You will retain the time accrued on the interlock license and device. You will be required to start the consecutive six-month period again once you have upgraded back to an interlock license.

What if I want to dispute the DWI citation because I believe someone else used my identity information?

Only the court or the law enforcement officer who wrote the citation can recall or dismiss a citation for identity theft. A letter written on department letterhead will need to be provided indicating the name, social security number, date of birth, license number, and citation number and the reason for the dismissal. In addition, provide the name and information on the correct offender, if available.

Is there a way that I can get a copy of my DWI citations, because I believe that the number of convictions on my record is incorrect?

Yes. You can mail a letter indicating that you would like a document review, with your personal information, to New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division, P.O. Box 1028, Santa Fe, NM 87504-1028 Attn: Document Review. There is no fee for this request.

This is my third offense, but when I went to court the judge reduced it to my second offense. Why am I still under revocation for a three-year period?

The Motor Vehicle Division does not consider a reduction in offense by the court when a revocation period is determined. MVD looks at the number of convictions on your record and adjusts the revocation period based on the new conviction.

The Judge said that he would defer the DWI and dismiss it once I completed a predetermined probationary period. Why is the DWI still on my record, and why am I revoked?

In the State of New Mexico, a Judge cannot defer to dismiss a DWI once the driver enters a plea of guilty or nolo contendere, or if there is a finding of guilt by the court. By statute (§66-1-4.3(N)(1)(a) and (b)) “conviction” includes “a finding of guilt in the trial court in regard to which the violator has waived or exhausted all rights to appeal” or “a plea of guilty or nolo contendere accepted by the court.”

Do I still have to pay a reinstatement fee if I’ve moved out of New Mexico or I am no longer a resident?

Yes. The fee is assessed as part of the fine for a DWI citation and is required to completely clear the driver’s record after a revocation period has expired. Along with the fee, proof of residency is required.

If I paid fines through the court, why do I have to pay MVD?

The criminal and civil actions are completely different. Some fines are associated with conviction actions, and other fines are associated with Implied Consent/Administrative actions.

I reinstated after the administrative action, but before the criminal conviction was posted to my record. Can I get a refund for the $102?

No. You must wait until you are eligible to reinstate, and then apply for your driver’s license again and pay the reinstatement fee. The clerk at the field office cannot see future dates or postings and can only see what is posted to the record. If the conviction has not been sent by the court, it will not be available on the driving history until it is received and recorded.

How do I request a MVD administrative hearing for the revocation based on my arrest?

A Request for Hearing form (MVD-10792) is available from any MVD office and on the Internet – or you may simply submit a letter requesting a hearing. Include a copy of the citation or notice of revocation; information such as the driver’s name, date of birth and social security number; and (unless you can provide a letter of indigence) a $25 check or money order. Indicate that you are contesting the administrative revocation of your license. This request must be postmarked, or hand delivered to MVD’s Central Administration office in the Joseph M. Montoya Building at 1100 South St. Francis Drive in Santa Fe, NM within 10 days of being served the Notice of Revocation. If the request for hearing is not complete, you will receive a denial letter. You may appeal the denial of a request for hearing to a district court.

Can I drive while I am awaiting the administrative hearing?

Yes. Unless you have any other conditions of suspension on your driving record, you will have driving privileges pending the outcome of the hearing.

How long does a DWI stay on my record?

A DWI will stay on the driving record according to the date the citation was issued: