Seasonal & Time-Based Restrictions for Oversize/Overweight Loads
Daylight Travel Only (Most Loads)
For oversize and overweight loads with a special permit in New Mexico:
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Allowed travel is from ½ hour before sunrise to ½ hour after sunset daily unless otherwise specified on the permit.
This rule helps improve safety and visibility when moving large or unusual loads.
Holiday Restrictions
New Mexico generally prohibits movement of oversize/heavy loads on major holidays, including:
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New Year’s Day
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Memorial Day
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Independence Day
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Labor Day
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Thanksgiving Day
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Christmas Day
If a holiday falls adjacent to a weekend, restrictions may extend before sunrise or after sunset around the holiday period.
Time-of-Day and Urban Curfew Restrictions
In certain cities and urban areas, additional travel restrictions apply on top of daylight-only rules:
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Weekday Morning and Evening Restrictions (common on oversize permits):
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7:00 AM – 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM restricted in cities like Albuquerque, Santa Fe, Rio Rancho, Las Cruces, Los Lunas, and Española.
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These rules help reduce conflicts with peak commuter traffic.
Weather-Based Seasonal Restrictions
Inclement Weather Limits
New Mexico often imposes travel restrictions when weather conditions significantly affect road safety — even if not in statute:
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Travel may be prohibited or limited during snow, ice, poor visibility, or strong winds, especially for oversize/overweight loads.
Heavy snow and adverse conditions may also lead to temporary closures of key routes, especially in northern or high-elevation areas. Commercial and passenger vehicles alike may be advised to avoid travel during winter storms.
Note: Unlike some northern states, New Mexico does not have widespread seasonal “frost laws” that restrict truck weights on specific dates — but regional weather conditions and construction seasons can create practical seasonal weight/route restrictions that you must check before moving.
Planning Tips for Seasonal Travel
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Check current permit conditions: Many oversize permits will include specific travel windows and seasonal restrictions — always read them carefully before departure.
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Use official state resources: Real-time road and weather data (like NMRoads.com) can help plan around closures or hazardous travel conditions.
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Prepare for winter conditions: In higher elevations and northern New Mexico, winter weather (snow/ice) can create temporary road closures and chain requirements — so plan alternate routes or delays.
Summary
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Daylight travel only for most oversize/overweight loads.
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Holiday travel is typically prohibited for oversize/heavy loads.
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Urban time-of-day restrictions reduce peak traffic conflicts.
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Weather conditions can create seasonal restrictions, especially in winter.