Staff Report
New Mexico taxpayers without social security numbers are one step closer to being able to obtain driver's licenses thanks to the passing of House Bill 173 by the state House of Representatives Tuesday.
The bill, sponsored by Rep. Miguel Garcia (D-Albuquerque), would allow residents who work in the state to obtain a driver's license and auto insurance.
"This bill addresses critical issues of public safety and welfare," Garcia said in a press release. "It will allow foreign-born taxpayers who cannot get social security numbers to drive legally on our roads with a license that shows that they know and are obeying our traffic laws."
He added that he believes the bill will ultimately create a safer environment for the state's motorists.
Rep. Garcia said the legislation would address two key issues: Driver safety and New Mexico's high rate of uninsured motorists.
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"The bill would affect individuals who are living in this state, contributing to our quality of life and paying taxes, but just don't have a social security number," Garcia said.
Under existing laws, many immigrant workers cannot obtain a driver's license because they do not have a valid social security number. Because driving is a necessity in most New Mexico communities, many of those residents are forced to drive without the benefit of the safety measures included in obtaining a license, including vision exams, DWI-avoidance training and a written driver's exam.
They are forced to drive without auto insurance because a valid driver's license is required to purchase liability insurance, putting every New Mexico driver's safety at risk, Garcia said.
House Bill 173 now goes to the state Senate for consideration. If passed, New Mexico would join several other states in the country with similar laws.
"We know that many unlicensed, uninsured motorists are driving, and this bill would make them subject to the same safety requirements as other drivers," Garcia said. "It will make the roads safer for all of us."
