In a car crash or other incident involving multiple vehicles the police may investigate whether the driver of any of the vehicles is under the influence of or intoxicated by alcohol or drugs, and are not limited to investigating and arresting only the driver who was at fault in the accident, for example.
In New Mexico, when a car crash or other incident involving multiple vehicles occurs, law enforcement officers have the authority to investigate all drivers involved for potential impairment due to alcohol or drugs. This means that even if a driver is not at fault for the accident, they can still be subject to investigation and arrest if there is probable cause to believe they are under the influence. New Mexico's implied consent law requires drivers to submit to chemical testing if they are arrested for driving under the influence (DUI). Refusal to submit to testing can result in license revocation. The state's DUI laws apply to all drivers, regardless of their role in the incident, and penalties for DUI can include fines, jail time, and the requirement to install an ignition interlock device on the vehicle.