New Mexico is a beautiful state filled with stunning landscapes, rich culture, and fascinating history. However, visitors often find themselves accidentally breaking some unusual laws they never knew existed.
Many of these rules seem odd or outdated, but they’re still technically on the books, and some are actively enforced, leading to fines or awkward encounters with local authorities.
1. Misusing the National or State Anthem
Playing around with patriotic songs might seem harmless, but New Mexico takes its anthems seriously. State law classifies improper use of national or state anthems as a petty misdemeanor, which could land you with a citation.
What counts as improper use? Changing lyrics, remixing the melody, or performing incomplete versions in public spaces all qualify. The law requires these songs be performed accurately, completely, and respectfully.
Tourists participating in festivals or public gatherings should think twice before getting creative with anthem performances. Stick to traditional renditions to avoid any legal complications during your visit.
2. Accidentally Suggesting a Duel
Heated arguments can escalate quickly, especially after a long day of travel. But in New Mexico, you need to watch your words carefully during disagreements.
State law makes it a felony to send or accept a challenge to a duel involving deadly weapons. Even if you’re joking or just venting frustration, aggressive language that could be interpreted as a challenge might technically violate this old statute.
Tourists should keep disputes civil and avoid dramatic confrontations. What seems like colorful language or empty threats could be taken more seriously than you’d expect under historical laws still technically enforceable today.
3. Intentionally Tripping an Equine
Animal welfare laws in New Mexico include some very specific protections you might not anticipate. One unusual statute makes it criminal to intentionally cause horses, mules, or other equines to fall for sport or entertainment purposes.
This rule targets certain rural activities and rodeo practices that endanger animals. Tourists participating in ranch experiences, horseback riding tours, or watching local events need to respect these animal protection standards.
Even playful interactions with equines should be gentle and respectful. Any action that could be perceived as deliberately causing an animal to stumble or fall violates this welfare law and could result in serious charges.
4. Hunting in a Cemetery
Deming’s Mountain View Cemetery has an explicit ordinance that sounds obvious but tourists occasionally violate: absolutely no hunting allowed. This peace-keeping regulation protects the sanctity of the burial ground and prevents disruptive activities.
Visitors exploring rural New Mexico with hunting gear might wander near cemetery grounds without realizing they’re breaking local law. The ordinance covers not just actual hunting but carrying weapons or equipment in ways that disturb the peaceful environment.
Always check local boundaries when planning outdoor activities. What seems like open desert land might actually be protected cemetery property with strict enforcement of respect and quiet.
5. Carrying an Unsecured Load
Road tripping through New Mexico means collecting souvenirs, camping equipment, and maybe some firewood for evening bonfires. However, state law strictly requires all vehicle loads be properly secured, and tourists frequently ignore this rule.
Items flying off vehicles create serious highway hazards. Police actively ticket drivers whose cargo isn’t fastened down with straps, nets, or proper tie-downs, regardless of whether anything has fallen yet.
Before leaving any stop, double-check that everything in your truck bed or roof carrier is tightly secured. What seems like a quick loading job could result in citations and endanger other drivers on New Mexico’s highways.
6. Ignoring Tribal Land Speed Limits
Reservation roads present a unique challenge many tourists don’t anticipate. Speed limits on Tribal and Pueblo lands operate under separate jurisdiction and often differ significantly from surrounding state highways.
Visitors cruising along might not notice when they transition from state roads to Tribal property. Suddenly, the speed limit drops, and Tribal police strictly enforce these limits with tickets that can be costly and complicated to resolve.
Pay close attention to signage when traveling through or near reservations. Respecting these community-set speed limits isn’t just about avoiding tickets; it’s about acknowledging sovereignty and keeping residents safe in their neighborhoods.
7. Driving with Dirty Windows
New Mexico’s diverse climate throws everything at your windshield: dust storms, mud splashes, snow, and desert grit. But state law requires drivers maintain a clear view through their windshield at all times.
Tourists unfamiliar with how quickly visibility deteriorates might drive with excessively obscured glass without realizing they’re violating traffic regulations. Officers can cite drivers whose windshields compromise safe operation of the vehicle.
Keep cleaning supplies handy and use gas station squeegees frequently. What seems like minor road dirt can legally constitute an obstruction, especially after traveling through New Mexico’s unpredictable weather conditions and dusty backroads.
8. Failing to Stop for Pedestrians
Crosswalk laws seem straightforward, but they’re among the most commonly broken traffic rules by tourists throughout New Mexico. State law gives pedestrians absolute right-of-way in marked crosswalks, and failure to stop results in frequent citations.
Visitors from areas with different pedestrian rules might not realize how strictly this law is enforced. Police actively monitor crosswalks in tourist-heavy areas, and tickets come with significant fines plus points on your driving record.
Approach all crosswalks with caution and be prepared to stop completely. Even if pedestrians haven’t stepped off the curb yet, they have legal priority, and respecting this rule keeps everyone safe.
9. Picking Roadside Wildflowers on State Highways
Wildflowers paint New Mexico roadsides with vibrant colors each spring, tempting travelers to gather bouquets as souvenirs. What most visitors do not realize is that collecting these blooms along state highways violates state regulations designed to preserve natural beauty.
The law protects native plant species from over-harvesting and maintains the scenic landscapes that make New Mexico special. Penalties can include fines, and repeat offenders may face steeper consequences.
Instead of picking flowers, snap photos to capture their beauty without breaking the law. Many botanical gardens and gift shops sell seeds or dried arrangements as legal alternatives. Respecting these rules helps preserve New Mexico’s natural charm for future generations to enjoy.
10. Dancing While Wearing a Sombrero in Public Places
Believe it or not, an old statute in certain New Mexico towns technically prohibits dancing in public while wearing a sombrero. This bizarre rule dates back over a century and likely originated from concerns about rowdy celebrations getting out of hand.
Though rarely enforced today, the law technically remains active in some jurisdictions. Tourists attending festivals or celebrations might unknowingly violate this quirky regulation while enjoying traditional music and dance.
Most locals and law enforcement ignore this outdated rule, but it serves as a reminder of how strange historical laws can linger. If you want to dance safely, simply remove your hat or check local ordinances beforehand to avoid any humorous misunderstandings with authorities.
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