SB96 amends New Mexico’s Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Act to update the statutory definitions for certain off-highway vehicles, with a focus on tire terminology and vehicle size limits. The bill changes the definition of an all-terrain vehicle from one traveling on “low-pressure” tires to one traveling on “non-highway” tires, and it revises the definition of a recreational off-highway vehicle by increasing the allowable unladen dry weight from 1,750 pounds to 3,500 pounds. It also removes the prior engine-displacement cap for that vehicle category and keeps other identifying features such as steering wheel control, non-straddle seating, speed capability, width limit, and VIN requirements.
Impact
If enacted, SB96 would update the definitions used throughout the Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Act, which can affect how vehicles are classified for registration, regulation, enforcement, and trail-use purposes. The changes could broaden the range of vehicles that qualify as recreational off-highway vehicles and align statutory language with current vehicle design and market terminology. The bill would primarily affect off-highway vehicle owners, dealers, regulators, and agencies administering trail safety and motor vehicle rules.
Sentiment
Based on the bill text and the absence of recorded committee debate or votes in the provided materials, the overall sentiment appears neutral and technical rather than controversial. The measure reads as a definitional update intended to modernize the statute and clarify vehicle categories. There is no evidence in the supplied record of formal opposition, support statements, or divided voting.
Contention
The main points of potential contention are the expanded weight limit for recreational off-highway vehicles and the replacement of “low-pressure” tire language with “non-highway” tires. Those changes could be viewed as broadening eligibility for certain vehicles or altering how existing vehicles are regulated. However, no specific objections, supporters, or committee concerns are included in the provided materials.