Effective July 1, 2024 the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission’s (NMPRC) Transportation Division operations (with the exception of the Pipeline Safety Bureau) will transfer to the New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT). The transfer includes the Applications Section, Ambulance and Railroad Bureau, and Compliance/Investigation Bureau of the Transportation Division.

When the transition takes effect, the Applications, Compliance and Inspections/Investigations units will join NMDOT’s Transportation Regulation Division; and the Railroad Unit will join NMDOT’s Transit and Rail Division.

The Applications Unit will process applications for authorities to operate as a regulated motor carrier. Everyone providing compensated transportation services in New Mexico must receive an operating authority from the PRC, including limousines, taxis, shuttle services, tour and sightseeing operators, household goods moving services, non-emergency transport, network companies, towing services, and repossession services. This unit will also process applications and tariffs for ambulance service carriers and administer the Unified Carrier Registration (UCR) system.

The Compliance Unit will enforce the NMDOT’s rules and regulations and the Motor Carrier Act through administrative audits and file reviews. This includes compliance with NMDOT’s financial responsibility requirements and annual reporting.

The Inspections/Investigations Unit will enforce the NMDOT’s rules and regulations and the Motor Carrier Act by conducting periodic inspections of all motor carriers and investigating complaints. The bureau may utilize the results of its inspections and investigations to impose a fine or penalty on a motor carrier and recommend suspension or revocation its operating authority.

The Ambulance and Railroad Unit will enforce railroad safety standards through a partnership with the Federal Railroad Administration.