Of all the reasons not to drive while intoxicated, perhaps the double-punch of consequences for a DWI in states like New Mexico is one of the biggest. It is safe to say that most drunk driving isn’t intentional, but caused by bad judgment while intoxicated. It is also safe to say that there’s an implied criminal risk when drinking without a plan for a sober ride home. What is difficult for many to understand is that a New Mexico ALR (administrative license revocation) is the state’s way of ensuring a drunk driver is not allowed to make that same mistake in the future.
A New Mexico ALR is the restriction placed on your license by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
When you are arrested for a DWI or refuse the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) test, the police officer will take your license. You’ll get 20 days before your license is officially suspended, during which you can request a hearing with the DMV regarding your DWI. Your ALR takes place on the 21st day after your arrest, unless the DMV reinstates your license. That usually only happens if you’ve never had an ALR and you didn’t refuse the BAC test. You’ll also be required to install and maintain an ignition interlock at that point.
The minimum ignition interlock requirement in New Mexico for an ALR is six months.
Once you have satisfied all of the requirements of your New Mexico ALR and anything related to your criminal DWI hearing, you may be authorized to fully reinstate your license. You cannot have any interlock violations, including driving without the device, tampering with your interlock or trying to circumvent the process. As long as you’ve been responsible about your driving and have taken your restrictions seriously, you can quickly move on from your DWI, into a better and brighter future.
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