Certain New Mexico Peeps Now Allowed To Break Traffic Laws

If you drive in New Mexico, you'll soon need to be extra alert at stop signs. A certain law will allow some to ignore stop signs. It let's 'em run red lights too ...

New Mexico already has a reputation for being the most dangerous state in the USA to drive in. Beginning July 1st, there will be one more reason to keep your wits about you while driving in the land of enchantment.

Bicyclists will soon be legally able to run stop signs and red lights.

Starting July 1st, bicyclists in New Mexico may roll through a stop sign if it is safe for them to do so. They do have to stop at red lights but ... also IF it's safe ... they can go ahead and run the light after stopping to look around.

Whether it's a safe move or not is their call but drivers should be aware of this and watching out for cyclists who may be distracted and/or unaware that a car is actually  approaching.

I've always known these moves as "California" or "rolling" stops but, it seems, they are now officially known as "Idaho" stops because Idaho  was the first state to ease traffic laws for bicyclists.

According to sourcenm.com, the change is meant to help cyclists maintain momentum when possible. It, (apparently), also lessen their risks as it "reduces their exposure to cars, increases their visibility to cars and reduces the risk of being “right hooked” if a car doesn’t see them or a “left cross” from oncoming traffic".

I guess we'll see, meawhile ...