Lawmakers in New Mexico are considering a bill that would establish a new lower speed limit for commercial trucks traveling through the state.

SB 226, or the TRUCK TRACTOR MAX SPEED LIMIT bill was introduced on January 31, 2025, by Sen. George Muñoz.

If passed, the bill “establishes a maximum speed limit of 65 miles per hour specifically for truck tractors (large trucks used for hauling trailers) on New Mexico highways, which is lower than the general speed limit of 75 miles per hour for other vehicles.”

The bill would also create a new penalty assessment of $250 for truck tractors exceeding the 65 mile per hour speed limit, which would be included in the state’s existing motor vehicle penalty schedule.

The new truck-only speed limit would go into effect on July 1, 2025, if the legislation advances.

SB 226 has passed through the New Mexico Senate Transportation Committee and the Senate Judiciary Committee.

The 10 m.p.h. lower maximum speed limit for trucks vs. cars would create a speed differential, which has long been opposed by trucking groups like the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association. OOIDA says that a speed differential “decreases safety by increasing the interaction between large trucks and passenger vehicles. There is no clean and substantial evidence that supports the use of different posted speed limits.”

Munoz previously introduced legislation that was later passed into law requiring trucks to stay in the right lane of any two or more lane highway unless actively passing another vehicle in New Mexico. This left-lane truck ban also comes with a $250 fine for violation.