No, applying makeup while driving is illegal in New Mexico under the state’s distracted driving statute, which prohibits any activity diverting attention from the road. The New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) and local law enforcement agencies enforce this under NMSA 1978, § 66-7-371, treating it as a primary offense. Violations carry fines up to $250, and courts may impose points on the driver’s record. While no statewide ban explicitly lists “applying makeup,” courts consistently interpret the statute to include grooming activities that impair vehicle control.
Key Regulations for Applying Makeup While Driving in New Mexico
- Primary Offense Enforcement: Police may cite drivers for makeup application under NMSA § 66-7-371(A), which bans “any activity not related to driving” that impairs safe operation. This includes mirror-based grooming.
- Local Ordinance Variations: Cities like Albuquerque and Santa Fe have municipal codes mirroring state law, with additional penalties for repeat offenders. Albuquerque’s Distracted Driving Ordinance (2024) explicitly cites “personal grooming” as a prohibited behavior.
- 2026 Compliance Shifts: NMDOT’s upcoming 2026 distracted driving awareness campaign will emphasize visual distractions, including makeup application, as high-risk behaviors. Law enforcement training protocols will prioritize enforcement in high-incident zones.