How you pay the fine for a traffic citation in New Mexico depends on where the ticket was issued. The state has one Metropolitan Court, which serves the greater Albuquerque area, and a bevy of smaller municipal courts scattered across the state. These are usually the places you will end up if you have to appear in court for a traffic ticket arraignment.

If you appeal a decision at the municipal level, or if the fine for your offense is more than $500, or if you are having a trial by jury, your case will be elevated to a district court. At no time do you pay your ticket to the Motor Vehicle Division.

Although New Mexico does have something of a uniform traffic code that cities may use as a guideline to set their traffic laws, it's just a starting point. Municipalities can implement their own laws as long as they are within the limits of the state statues. Thus, a traffic ticket in Santa Fe might not cost the same as a ticket for the same offense in Roswell.

Paying by Mail or Phone

The majority of moving violations issued in New Mexico have a fine that can be paid without ever going to court. Your citation will let you know if you have this option.

Just look to see if the "penalty assessment" box has been marked. If so, you will need to send in your payment to the address stated on the citation.

Some courts also allow payment via credit card over the phone. Again, it will depend on where the ticket was issued and what payment options are listed on the citation.

Making a Court Appearance

Depending on the offense committed, you may be summoned to appear in a local court. Check your citation to see if the "court appearance" box is marked. If so, you will need to appear at the court address listed on the date that is noted. Failure to do so will result in a bench warrant being issued.

This means that the next time you come in contact with law enforcement and have your name run through the system, you will be arrested and taken to the local jail. That's not a fun way to spend a day or night, so it is best to take care of the ticket when it is due.

Offenses Requiring a Mandatory Court Appearance

Certain traffic violations don't afford you the option of pleading guilty and paying a fine through the mail. For the more serious offenses, a judge will want to talk to you in person. These violations include:

• Reckless driving

• Driving while intoxicated (DWI)

• Leaving the scene of an accident

• Street racing

• Speeding 26 mph or more over the limit

• Driving with a suspended or revoked license

Traffic School

In many moving violation cases, if you attend a driving improvement school offered by the local court, you can bar any points from being tacked onto your driving record. The fees for enrolling in one of these courses can range from $80 to $100. That may sound steep, but just think of what you will save on insurance.

You will only be able to attend a class to excuse points against your driving history once every 18 months. If you have perpetual problems with earning citations, you most likely will end up with points on your record finally.

Those who are found to have a BAC over the legal limit will have their license revoked on the spot by the arresting officer. A driver who refuses to take a breath test administered by a police officer will have his or her license revoked, as well.

It is also possible to be arrested for a DWI with a lower BAC than the legal limit, if it is clear to the arresting officer that the person is too impaired to drive. Those who consider themselves to be "lightweights" when it comes to alcohol consumption should take heed, as only one drink could be enough to get a DWI.

Medication can also be the culprit in an accident or arrest. Whether it is an over-the-counter product or a prescribed medication that makes the driver drowsy, it shouldn't be taken before driving a car. Warnings on medications are there for your safety. If a driver becomes drowsy or lightheaded from an over-the-counter cold medication and then gets behind the wheel, they are risking a DWI conviction.

Penalties

Because of the high number of DWI cases in New Mexico each year (and the number of repeat offenders), the legal system is really cracking down on this crime. In fact, the criminal penalties for a DWI are more severe in New Mexico than in most other states. There are now many mandatory penalties for a DWI, which means a judge can't be lenient and let you off easy. These mandatory penalties include:

• Imprisonment (up to two years)

• Fines (up to $5,000)

• Community service (up to 96 hours)

• License reinstatement fee ($100)

• Psychological evaluation

• Driver education courses

• Ignition interlock devices (these are required for everyone convicted of DWI, even the first time)

• Court fees

Repeat offenders, especially, are receiving maximum penalties, as they are the most likely to break this law again. A fourth DWI conviction is now a felony in the state of New Mexico. Because the consequences for conviction are so harsh, many people seek the counsel of a DWI attorney after they are arrested on suspicion of driving while impaired.

For a comprehensive breakdown of all the minimum and maximum penalties and fees for a DWI conviction, whether it's your first or your seventh (or worse, you've been found guilty of vehicular homicide), see the state's High Cost of DWI brochure (scroll down to see the penalties for each offense). This publication also details how long your license will be suspended or revoked. Considering that it takes a whole page to outline the penalties for just the first DWI offense, that should give an indication of how serious New Mexico takes this crime.

Another state-published pamphlet, DWI Flow in New Mexico, is a flow chart illustrating the steps anyone charged with DWI must take through the legal system. It's convoluted, time-consuming, and downright intimidating. No wonder even those in law enforcement recommend that DWI arrestees consult an attorney.

Prevention through Education

In an effort to deter citizens from driving drunk, New Mexico has launched a huge media campaign to inform people of the dangers. From billboards to commercials, the public is being saturated with anti-DWI messages. Many of these public service messages are targeted at young drivers.

Each year, hundreds of teenage drivers die from alcohol-related accidents in New Mexico. It is now mandatory for any new driver between the ages of 18 and 24 to complete a DWI-awareness program when applying for a license. This program is entitled None for the Road and is a self-taught course that the driver completes at home. Special emphasis is also being put on DWI awareness during driver education courses for all ages.

Article 8 of Chapter 66 of the state statutes outlines New Mexico's DWI laws, arrest and court procedures, and penalties in legalese. If you'd like to educate yourself about the state's laws about this issue, this is a good place to start.