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New Mexico's repeat DWI offenders might not be able to get a driver's license, but they can buy and register a car with no problems.

That legal wrinkle - exemplified by two men arrested in the last month - makes it too easy for repeat offenders to get back behind the wheel, anti-DWI activists say.

"These loopholes need to change," said Linda Atkinson, director of the DWI Resource Center in Albuquerque. "A person should not be able to register a vehicle without a valid driver's license, period."

But state officials say current laws put significant restrictions on DWI offenders and that the step Atkinson suggests would make those laws unenforceable.

Recent arrests of two repeat offenders - both of whose licenses had been permanently revoked - highlight the problem, Atkinson said.

Roger Padilla, 55, of Los Lunas has registered three vehicles since March 2006. He has also been arrested seven times on DWI charges, including twice in the last two years - most recently June 10.

And Richard Reyes has been busted on DWI charges 10 times - the last one on June 23 - but registered a vehicle with the state last year.

The state Motor Vehicle Division requires only valid identification - not necessarily a driver's license - and proof of insurance to register a car in New Mexico.

MVD Director Ken Ortiz said he doesn't see a problem with the system in place.

"You can have a DWI and still have vehicles registered to your name," he said. "I think the problem (drunken driving) is much bigger than registering automobiles."

A conviction on DWI charges requires offenders - even first-timers - to get an interlock device put in their cars that tests breath-alcohol levels. The car won't start if the driver has too much alcohol in his or her system. That law has been in effect since June 2005. An interlock license comes with the device.

"When they get their regular license revoked, they have to be driving with an ignition interlock in their car or they're violating the law," said DWI Czar Rachel O'Connor. "That requires a registered vehicle.

"If you change the law and say it's illegal to register your car if you have a DWI offense, then you won't be able to enforce the laws we have now."

Atkinson said people with multiple DWI arrests are being helped by slack requirements.

"We're always coddling our drunk drivers," she said. "This is a problem, and it needs to be addressed."