Alcohol, Drugs, and Fatigue; New Mexico Laws and Licensing
Licensing
New Mexico issues a motorcycle instruction permit to applicants at least 15 who pass the knowledge and vision tests; an applicant under 18 needs parental consent. Permit holders may not carry passengers. To ride without a permit you need a motorcycle license or endorsement, which requires a skills test unless it is waived by an approved course. A passenger needs a proper seat and footrests; carrying a passenger on a permit is illegal.
Alcohol
New Mexico's DWI limit is 0.08 percent BAC for riders 21 and older. For riders under 21, the limit is 0.02 percent-zero tolerance. Commercial drivers are held to 0.04. Alcohol reduces balance, throttle control, and judgment before you feel impaired. New Mexico's implied-consent law means a test can be required after a lawful arrest, and refusal can cost your license.
Drugs and fatigue
Prescription and over-the-counter drugs can cause drowsiness or slow reactions; check labels and ask a pharmacist. Marijuana is legal for adults in New Mexico, but riding under its influence is still illegal. Fatigue is a drug: yawning, drifting, and missing signs mean stop. Coffee and energy drinks do not cure fatigue.
Worked example
A 20-year-old rider has two beers and feels fine. Reasoning: under 21 the legal limit is 0.02, so even a small amount can be over the limit. Feeling fine is not a defense; balance and reaction time are already affected.
Traps
Thinking coffee sobers you up; believing “one drink” is safe; and assuming a permit allows a passenger.