MOTOR CARRIER SAFETY ACT CHANGES

HB 30 amends New Mexico's Motor Carrier Safety Act to establish specific safety requirements for companies that transport railroad employees. The bill requires these motor carriers to implement annual driver training covering vehicle operation, emergency procedures, and safety belt use; conduct criminal background checks for drivers; maintain $5 million liability insurance per vehicle; and equip vehicles with safety features including seat belts, spare tires, emergency kits, and GPS devices. It also limits drivers to a maximum of 10 consecutive driving hours, 15 total on-duty hours, and 70 hours in any eight-day period. These provisions apply specifically to motor carriers of railroad employees and take effect January 1, 2026.