Agricultural Vehicle Permits in New Mexico

Dec. 4, 2025, 5:37 p.m.
Agricultural operations in New Mexico often require trucks and specialized equipment to move crops, livestock, and machinery across state highways. To keep these movements safe and legal, the New Mexico Motor Transportation Division (MTD) provides Agricultural Vehicle Permits that allow certain exemptions or special operating conditions. This guide breaks down when you need a permit, what it covers, and how to stay compliant.
Agricultural Vehicle Permits in New Mexico

What Is an Agricultural Vehicle in New Mexico?

New Mexico considers a vehicle “agricultural” when it is used specifically for:

  • Transporting farm products (grain, hay, produce, livestock, etc.)

  • Carrying agricultural inputs (feed, fertilizer, seed, chemicals)

  • Moving farm machinery or implements of husbandry

  • Operating vehicles directly involved in farming or ranching

When You Need an Agricultural Permit

You may need an agricultural permit in situations where:

1. The vehicle exceeds normal size or weight limits

Farm equipment often exceeds standard limits:

  • Combines

  • Tractors

  • Swathers

  • Balers

  • Large farm implements towed on state highways

Oversize or overweight (OS/OW) agricultural loads often require single-trip or annual oversize permits.

2. You are transporting products or equipment beyond 25 miles

Some exemptions in New Mexico apply only within a short radius of a farm.
Beyond that, carriers may need:

  • A trip permit

  • A weight permit

  • A temporary registration permit

3. You operate on state highways with farm machinery

Even if the vehicle is exempt from registration while operating on the farm, highway operation typically requires compliance with:

  • Safety markings

  • Escort vehicles (if oversized)

  • Operating hour restrictions for OS/OW loads

Permit Types That Cover Agricultural Operations

1. Agricultural OS/OW Permit

For overwidth or overweight machinery and loads, including:

  • Large implements

  • Stacked hay

  • Livestock trailers exceeding weight limits

2. Temporary Trip Permits

Required for out-of-state carriers or farm operators transporting ag commodities without IRP credentials.

3. Weight Distance Tax (WDT) Requirements

Some agricultural vehicles are exempt, but not all.
Commercial carriers transporting agricultural products may still need:

  • WDT account

  • WDT permit

  • Quarterly reporting

4. Farm Vehicle Exemptions

New Mexico allows exemptions for certain:

  • Farm-plated trucks

  • Intrastate agricultural operations

  • Vehicles under specific weight thresholds

These exemptions vary—it's important to confirm your specific vehicle type.

Operating Conditions and Restrictions

Agricultural OS/OW permits may include:

  • Daylight-only travel rules

  • Pilot car requirements for overwidth equipment

  • Route restrictions, especially on narrow rural highways

  • Holiday travel prohibitions

  • Requirements for flags, lights, and signage

  • Maximum allowed width for non-permitted travel (usually 10 ft., varies by load)

How to Get an Agricultural Vehicle Permit in New Mexico

Permits can be obtained through the New Mexico Online Permit System (NTAP):

  • Create an account

  • Enter vehicle details

  • Submit load dimensions

  • Request agricultural exemptions when applicable

  • Pay fees (if required)

  • Download the digital permit

Permits are typically available as single-trip or annual, depending on load type and operating area.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Assuming farm implements are automatically exempt

  • Moving oversize machinery at night

  • Crossing state lines without proper trip or fuel permits

  • Ignoring escort requirements for wide loads

  • Not registering for weight distance tax when required

Who Uses These Permits?

  • Farmers

  • Ranchers

  • Custom harvesters

  • Agricultural haulers

  • Co-ops

  • Equipment transport companies