1. What Is a New Mexico Trip Permit?
A New Mexico Trip Permit allows a commercial vehicle to operate temporarily in the state without New Mexico registration.
Key points:
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Required for vehicles 26,001 lbs or more
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Used by out-of-state carriers
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Covers registration compliance only
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Valid for a limited number of days (typically short-term)
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Does NOT cover fuel tax obligations
Common use:
An out-of-state truck without IRP registration entering New Mexico for a short haul.
2. What Is a New Mexico Fuel Permit?
A New Mexico Fuel Permit allows a vehicle to operate temporarily without IFTA registration.
Key points:
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Required if the vehicle is not registered under IFTA
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Covers fuel tax reporting
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Short-term validity
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Does NOT replace vehicle registration
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Required regardless of vehicle registration status if IFTA is missing
Common use:
A carrier with proper registration but no IFTA account entering New Mexico.
3. Key Differences at a Glance
| Feature | Trip Permit | Fuel Permit |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Registration compliance | Fuel tax compliance |
| Replaces IRP? | Yes (temporarily) | No |
| Replaces IFTA? | No | Yes (temporarily) |
| Applies to | Vehicle registration | Fuel tax reporting |
| Required for | Unregistered vehicles | Non-IFTA vehicles |
| Covers fuel taxes | No | Yes |
4. When Do You Need Both Permits?
You may need both a Trip Permit and a Fuel Permit if:
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Your vehicle is not IRP registered
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AND your company is not IFTA registered
Failing to obtain both can result in fines or being placed out of service at New Mexico ports of entry.
5. Enforcement at New Mexico Ports of Entry
New Mexico strictly enforces permit compliance at:
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Ports of entry
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Weigh stations
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Roadside inspections
Inspectors commonly check:
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Trip permit validity
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Fuel permit or IFTA credentials
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Vehicle weight and registration
6. Common Mistakes to Avoid
Assuming a trip permit covers fuel taxes
Entering New Mexico with no permits
Using an expired or incorrect permit
Confusing IRP with IFTA requirements
7. Best Practice for Carriers
Verify IRP and IFTA status before entry
Obtain required permits before crossing state lines
Keep permits accessible in the vehicle
Use a permit service if unsure
Final Takeaway
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Trip Permit = Temporary registration
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Fuel Permit = Temporary fuel tax compliance
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They serve different purposes and do not replace each other
Understanding this distinction helps carriers operate legally in New Mexico and avoid unnecessary delays or penalties.
https://www.mvd.newmexico.gov/commercial/commercial-vehicles/ports-of-entry-information/