New Mexico Administrative Code
Title 18 - TRANSPORTATION AND HIGHWAYS
Chapter 3 - MOTOR CARRIER GENERAL PROVISIONS
Part 12 - TOWING SERVICES
Section 18.3.12.6 - OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this rule is to establish requirements for towing services subject to the limitations and policy of 49 U.S.C. 14501. The clearing of public highways and roads is a matter of public safety, which cannot be reasonably accomplished by state and local law enforcement officials, unless uniform maximum rates for service are required for tows requested or directed by law enforcement or other safety officials. Public safety also requires secure storage yards for vehicles and reasonable access to towed vehicles, and particularly requires reasonably rapid access to operable vehicles that have been towed as the result of trespass tows, which may unexpectedly deprive members of the public of transportation as well as the personal items stored in their vehicle. Reasonable proximity of the carrier's office and books and records is required for efficient and effective inspections of safety and financial responsibility requirements, as well as the public's ability to retrieve towed vehicles.