New Mexico Governor Proposes Tougher DWI Penalties

Gov. Susana Martinez is calling for tougher penalties for repeat drunken driving in New Mexico, including allowing authorities to seize their cars.

The Republican governor recommended the proposals Tuesday in her state of the state speech to a joint session of the Legislature.

New Mexico has long had among the nation’s highest rates of alcohol-involved traffic deaths.

The governor’s proposal would require drivers to surrender their vehicles upon a second arrest for drunken driving.

Martinez also supports legislation to add mandatory prison time to the basic sentence of drunken driving offenders with previous felonies.

The governor said “it’s time we take a stand” in dealing with repeat drunken drivers.