Bernalillo County, NM Food Trucks & Mobile Vendors: Food Truck Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Servicing area agreement
- required, renewed annually
- Signage size
- min. 3 inches tall
- Vehicle licensing
- NM Motor Vehicle Division
- Max fine
- $300, or 90 days jail
- Scope
- unincorporated county only
Summary
Mobile food units in unincorporated Bernalillo County need a servicing-area agreement, proper vehicle licensing, and 3-inch identifying signage under the county's Environmental Health Code.
(c)A non-self contained mobile unit shall operate from a servicing area that is permitted and approved by the regulatory agency.(1)Upon application and plan review, an applicant for a non-self contained mobile unit permit shall provide to the regulatory agency a written agreement for the use of a servicing area. The written agreement shall be renewed at least annually and submitted with the food permit renewal....(e)Business name, address, and phone number shall be plainly indicated on two sides of the exterior of the mobile unit and be a minimum of 3 inches in height.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 92).
Full Breakdown
Bernalillo County Code § 42-304 regulates mobile food establishments, pushcarts and other non-self-contained units must operate from a county-approved servicing area, with a written servicing-area agreement filed with the environmental health authority and renewed annually alongside the food permit. Units must display business name, address, and phone number at least 3 inches tall on two sides, and any trailer or motor-driven unit must be properly licensed by the New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division. This applies only in unincorporated Bernalillo County, Albuquerque runs its own food truck permitting separately.
Violations & Fines
Violations of the Environmental Health Code carry the Code's general penalty: a fine up to $300, up to 90 days imprisonment, or both, plus possible revocation or suspension of the food permit (§§ 42-186, 1-6).
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a food truck need a permit in Bernalillo County?
Do these rules apply inside Albuquerque?
What signage does a mobile food unit need?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Bernalillo County
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