Got the New Mexico BWI Blues?

While New Mexico BWI (boating while intoxicated) incidents may seem as unlikely as an abundance of waterways in the mostly desert state, both lakes and New Mexico BWI problems are a reality for many.  With strict policies for driving while intoxicated, it isn’t too surprising that the state follows the same strict BAC guidelines for a BWI. The penalties for each are similar too, with one exception: the mandatory ignition interlock requirement.

New Mexico BWI charges and convictions rely on blood alcohol concentration (BAC) just as much as a DWI. The BAC limits are the same, too:

.08 percent BAC: the legal limit across the U.S. (not including Utah’s lower BAC limit) for both DWI and BWI. At this level (or lower, depending on how the driver’s behaviors are perceived), the driver faces court cost and fines and other penalties.

.16 percent BAC: this higher BAC limit is treated the same for both boating and driving while intoxicated incidents, with higher court costs, fines, and additional penalties.

A New Mexico BWI conviction will not trigger a mandatory ignition interlock requirement, unlike a DWI. However, both types of convictions can be considered in court as a means to determine whether an offender could use additional services, like an alcohol dependence or addiction evaluation.

It goes without saying that when you are responsible for driving a vehicle, perhaps the most important part of that is remaining sober while driving. The risks that are taken by impaired drivers lead to legal troubles, personal injuries, and deaths each day. We may all enjoy the recreational time we get, especially when it involves celebrating with friends and family. However, we can still make smart choices that keep us out of trouble, and especially out of court, so that we can continue to celebrate those times each year.