Who must wear a helmet in New Mexico, the penalties for not wearing one, and the eye-protection rules every rider should know.
Under NMSA 66-7-356, no person under 18 may operate or ride as a passenger on a motorcycle unless wearing a helmet that is securely fastened and meets federal FMVSS 218 standards. The law applies by age, not by license type, so an under-18 rider must wear a helmet even after being fully licensed.
New Mexico requires a securely fastened, DOT-approved helmet for every motorcycle operator and passenger under 18 years old. Riders 18 and older are not required by state law to wear a helmet, although safety experts strongly recommend one on every ride (NMSA 66-7-356).
Riding without a required helmet is a traffic violation. Because the rule protects minors, the operator can be held responsible for an under-18 passenger who is not wearing a helmet. Confirm current fine amounts with the New Mexico MVD or a local court.
New Mexico riders should wear approved eye protection - a face shield or goggles - whenever the motorcycle does not have a windshield. Eye protection shields you from wind, dust, insects, and road debris that can make you lose control, so treat it as essential gear on every ride.
A legal motorcycle helmet must meet the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) FMVSS 218 standard. Look for the "DOT" certification label on the back. Helmets that meet stricter Snell or ECE standards offer additional protection. Avoid novelty helmets — they are not legal head protection.
Source: Some test details are confirmed by the state agency; the rest reflect the consensus of major rider-education sources. The official page states Class D and M tests must score 70%+ — the only state below 75%. The question count is an estimate (70% of 25 ≈ 18).