It's the Law: Before Going Out

Enforcement   
(66-12-22 NMSA 1978; 66-12-23 NMSA 1978; BAR 18.17.2 NMAC 17)

The following persons have full authority of a peace officer to enforce the boating laws of New Mexico.

• Officials from the New Mexico State Parks Division—the Director, park custodians, and other employees designated in writing by the Director
• Every sheriff in his or her respective county
• Every member of the New Mexico State Police

U.S. Coast Guard officers also patrol and have enforcement authority on federally controlled waters.

The law enforcement officers listed above are authorized to stop and board your vessel to check that you are complying with state and federal laws.

It is illegal to refuse to follow the directive of a person with law enforcement authority. An operator who has received a visual or audible signal from a law enforcement officer must bring his or her vessel to a stop.

Every person who violates or fails to comply with laws in the New Mexico Boat Act is guilty of a misdemeanor.

Local Regulations
(66-12-16 NMSA 1978; BAR 18.17.2 NMAC 16)

Local waterways may have specific equipment and operational restrictions in addition to those covered in this chapter. For example, motorized boating is limited to no-wake operation only on Heron Lake, Santa Cruz, and Cochiti Lake. Be sure to check for local regulations before you go boating. Special restrictions apply on the San Juan River, Bottomless Lakes, Morphy Lake, Fenton Lake, Lake Maloya, and Lake Alice.