Alicia Ortiz NMDOT Transportation Regulation Division Director | Official Website
New Mexico has implemented a new law allowing bicyclists to treat stop signs as yield signs and red lights as stop signs. This change, effective from July 1, is part of Senate Bill 73 signed by Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham after the 2025 legislative session.
The legislation aligns New Mexico with about a dozen other states that have adopted the "Idaho Stop," named after Idaho, the first state to enact such a law in 1982.
Under this new regulation, cyclists at stop signs can slow down, yield if necessary, and proceed through intersections without stopping completely if it is safe. At red lights, they must come to a full stop but may continue through the intersection when it is clear and safe.
Elsa Goossen, Active Transportation Planner at NMDOT, stated, “This change recognizes the differences between bicycles and cars at intersections and allows cyclists to navigate safely and predictably.”
Research indicates a decrease in bicycle-related crashes and injuries in states with similar laws. Both drivers and cyclists are urged to remain vigilant and considerate towards each other as this new law comes into effect. All road users should approach intersections with caution and courtesy.
