HOUSE BILL 271

56th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2023

INTRODUCED BY

Joseph L. Sanchez

 

 

 

 

 

AN ACT

RELATING TO MOTOR VEHICLES; AMENDING SECTION 66-7-207 NMSA 1978 (BEING LAWS 1978, CHAPTER 35, SECTION 396, AS AMENDED); RAISING THE APPARENT DAMAGE AMOUNT FOR A VEHICLE ACCIDENT THAT REQUIRES A WRITTEN REPORT OF THE ACCIDENT TO THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION FROM FIVE HUNDRED DOLLARS ($500) TO ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS ($1,000).

 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO:

     SECTION 1. Section 66-7-207 NMSA 1978 (being Laws 1978, Chapter 35, Section 396, as amended) is amended to read:

     "66-7-207. WRITTEN REPORTS OF ACCIDENTS.--

          A. The driver of a vehicle involved in an accident resulting in bodily injury to or death of any person or total property damage to an apparent extent of [five hundred dollars ($500)] one thousand dollars ($1,000) or more shall, within five days after the accident, forward a written report of the accident to the department of transportation.

          B. The department of transportation may require any driver of a vehicle involved in an accident of which report must be made as provided in this section to file supplemental reports whenever the original report is insufficient in the opinion of the department of transportation and may require witnesses of accidents to render reports concerning the accidents to the department of transportation.

          C. Every law enforcement officer who, in the regular course of duty, investigates a motor vehicle accident of which report must be made as required in this section, either at the time of and at the scene of the accident or thereafter by interviewing participants or witnesses, shall, within twenty-four hours after completing the investigation, forward a written report of the accident to the department of transportation. A law enforcement officer shall also, within twenty-four hours after completing the investigation, forward the written report of the accident to the motor transportation division of the department of public safety if the accident involves a commercial motor vehicle and results in:

                (1) bodily injury to any person and the person is transported to a medical facility for immediate medical attention;

                (2) the death of any person; or

                (3) any vehicle involved in the accident being towed from the scene due to disabling damage caused by the accident."

     SECTION 2. EFFECTIVE DATE.--The effective date of the provisions of this act is July 1, 2023.

- 3 -