According to the Silver City, N.M., Sun-News, penalties for truckers carrying an overweight load or operating without the proper permit would be doubled
, and new penalties would be added for multiple convictions under a bill passed recently in the state Senate.
Sen. John Arthur Smith, D-Deming, who sponsored the bill said fines for violations of trucking regulations have not changed in more than 15 years.
“Those of us who live along the interstate on I-40 or I-10 think this is a little bit conservative on the increases. We’d like to see them greater,” Smith said.
The bill is expected to raise $5 million to $10 million, according to the fiscal impact report, although the analyst who compiled that report said it’s difficult to come up with a precise number because it is unknown how many trucks are on the road now that are not in compliance with state regulations.
Smith said the bill would also bring New Mexico into line with federal guidelines.