45th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - second session, 2002

COMMENDING THE STUDENTS OF GALLUP JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL FOR THEIR STUDY OF NEW MEXICO STATE LAWS AND THEIR CIVIC-MINDED PROACTIVENESS; REQUESTING THAT A LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR LOWERING THE AGE TO OBTAIN A DRIVER'S PERMIT FROM FIFTEEN TO FOURTEEN.

WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 66-5-5 NMSA 1978 the motor vehicle division may issue "an instruction permit to a person fifteen years of age or over who is enrolled in and attending or has completed a driver education course that includes a DWI education and prevention component approved by the bureau or offered by a public school"; and

WHEREAS, responsible youths of our state who are fourteen years of age who may live in rural areas and who may be members of households with elderly, disabled or otherwise incapacitated members may find it necessary to drive a vehicle in an emergency situation or in order to attend school or to assist the household in essential chores and responsibilities;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the students of Gallup junior high school be commended for raising this important issue before the legislature; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the appropriate legislative committee be requested to make recommendations as to whether the age for obtaining a driver's permit should be lowered from fifteen to fourteen.