Driving in Mexico: 21 Things You Need to Know 🚘
Curious about driving in Mexico?
I was recently flipping through a Facebook debate of a Canadian couple that were fined on the spot for not having their seatbelts on when they were pulled over. The officers fined them almost $150 CAD before letting them go, and the Facebook group was outraged.
The thing is, there are PLENTY of things that are different when it comes to driving in Mexico, and getting pulled over and “fined” on the spot is a real thing (though you SHOULD NOT pay). There are both similar and different rules to the road here, and if you’re planning on driving you NEED TO KNOW THEM.
So here’s what you need to know about driving in Mexico. Tips, tricks and rules that will hopefully help make your next Mexican road trip a breeze!
Driving in Mexico
1. Wear Your Damn Seat Belt
Why this is even a debatable topic is lost on me. Seat belts save lives.
Now, if you don’t value your own life, that’s on you. But by not wearing your seatbelt you’re effectively saying you don’t value the lives of your fellow passengers too. It only takes one unseatbelted body to go flying around a car to seriously injure or kill the other passengers in the car. Don’t be that person.
Rant aside, seatbelts are the law in Mexico. ALL passengers and the driver are required to wear their seatbelts while bombing around the country.
But this hasn’t always been the case, in fact, until fairly recently (2015) passengers in the back seat of cars were not required to wear seatbelts. And seatbelt wearing for drivers was only mandated in 2003.
More often then not these rules are not enforced, but that doesn’t mean it’s OK to just forgo wearing them, whether you’re a tourist or a resident. And it definitely doesn’t mean that it’s OK to complain about paying a fine when you get caught.
2. Avoid Driving at Night
When I tell people to stick to daylight driving in Mexico they automatically assume the cartels are going to Kool-Aid Man out of the bushes and ambush them as soon as the sun goes down. While there might be issues with cartels on the road after dark, particularly closer to the border and in areas around the country known more for cartel activity: this advice has nothing to do with it.
If you’ve spent any time driving around in Mexico, you’ll know that many of the road conditions can be described as sub-par at best. They’re not always paved, and when they are, running into a massive pothole or two shouldn’t surpise anyone. Not to mention they’re often poorly-lit.
Driving around at night, particularly in an area you’re unfamilar with, puts you at risk for missing dangerous road hazards that you’d otherwise easily pick up on. It’s truly not the cartel that you need to fear at night, it’s the massive potholes that could result in you being a wheel down (or worse) stuck waiting for help on the roadside at night.
3. Memorize the Number for Angeles Verdes (its 078)
Speaking of being stuck on the road and needing help, Mexico’s Department of Tourism has an amazing (and FREE!) service that’s around to help you if you need roadside assistance.
The Angeles Verdes or “Green Angles” is a fleet of trucks that service major highways in 22 of Mexico’s states. To reach them, dial 078 on your phone (that you should ALWAYS have with you), you will be asked to provide the highway number along with the kilometer marker and the direction you’re traveling. So, pay attention and know where you are!
This is a great resource for motorists that are experiencing mechanical issues, run out of gas, or get a flat. Many drivers report that the Angeles Verdes team is fully bilingual, that’s not always true. But they are very professional, polite and amazing if you find yourself in a real jam.
Getting help from the Green Angels is completely free, though I do recommend providing a tip for their service. Tipping is always at your personal discretion, but a little can go a long way in Mexico and it may surprise you what the average person earns in Mexico.
4. Fill Up Whenever You Can
Speaking of running out of gas, service stations are not as readily available in Mexico as you might be used to in other parts of North America.
This scarcity, combined with the possibility of encountering cash-only stations (as in Mexican pesos!), long lines, or even closures, can lead to situations where you might have to drive further than expected to refuel.
To avoid any unnecessary stress, fill up your gas tank whenever you have the chance, even if it doesn’t seem immediately necessary. Honestly, hit up the next gas station AS SOON as your tank is half-full.
This practice will ensure that you’re always prepared for longer stretches without gas stations and avoid the inconvenience of running out of fuel.
5. Don’t Forget Insurance
You NEED insurance while driving in Mexico, it’s the law. ALL vehicles MUST have insurance from a Mexican insurance company to drive in Mexico, regardless of where the vehicle is plated.
Your US or Canadian auto insurance will NOT be valid after you cross the border into Mexico, including any rental insurance. Even if your current insurer claims otherwise, if you get into an accident the likelihood of them accepting your insurance is next to zero.
The solution? Obtain a Mexican auto insurance policy.
This is a legal requirement that can EASILY be acquired through an insurance agency. The best news is: things like insurance are usually not nearly as expensive in Mexico as they are elsewhere 🎉
Planning on renting a car?
Legitimate rental agencies in Mexico should offer the option to purchase insurance coverage directly through them. If you are going with a private car rental, make sure the owner is PROPERLY insured. Regular Mexico auto insurance will not cover private car rentals.
The bottom line: never drive in Mexico without the right insurance.
6. Get to Know Mexican Road Signs
I’m NOT going to tell you that you need to speak Spanish to visit Mexico. Yes, it’ll help, but it’s really not probably for most of us to suddenly learn it – especially if you’re already to packing to go.
If you have limited (or no) Spanish, I highly recommend that you get to know what the road signs mean. They will most often not contain any english (except MAYBE in high tourist areas or closer to the border).
Most Common Road Signs
| English Word | Spanish Translation |
|---|---|
| Stop | Alto |
| Speed Bump | Tope |
| Dangerous | Peligrosos |
| Caution | Cuidado |
| Slow | Despacio |
Other Road Signs
| English Word | Spanish Translation |
|---|---|
| Caution | Cuidado |
| Dangerous Curve | Curva Peligrosa |
| Detour | Desviacion |
| Do Not Drive When Tired | No Maneje |
| Do Not Disregard the Signs | No Maltrate las Senales |
| Do Not Litter | No Tirar Basura |
| Do Not Pass | Prohibido el Paso |
| Entrance | Entrada |
| Exit | Salida |
| Left | Izquierdo |
| Livestock Zone | Zona de Guando |
| No Engine Braking | No Utilizar Freno con Motor |
| No Passing | No Rebase |
| Pedestrian Crossing | Cruse de Peatones |
| Reduce Your Speed | Reductor de Velocidad |
| Respect the Speed Limit | Respete de Velocidad |
| Right | Derecha |
| Road Closed | No Hay Paso |
| School Zone | Zona Escolar |
| Slow | Despacio |
| Speed Bump | Tope |
| Slow | Despacio |
| Slow Down | Dismunuya Su Velocidad |
| Watch Your Distance | Guarde Su Distancia |
7. Don’t Speed
When driving in Mexico, don’t speed.
Even if you notice copious amounts of other people speeding, it’s wise to resist the temptation to speed and catch up. Especially if you’re driving in a foreign-played vehicle as they’re often more susceptible to being pulled over.
This vulnerability can sometimes lead to encounters with unscrupulous officers who might hint at resolving your ‘ticket’ on the spot. Remember, this is a bribe, and it’s illegal. The concept of ‘paying a ticket now’ is not a legitimate practice in Mexico.
Sticking to the speed limit not only ensures your safety but also reduces the risk of these problematic situations. Play it safe and stick to the rules.
8. If You Have Foreign Plates, You Could Be Pulled Over More Often
Touching more on foreign plants, whether from the US, Canada, or elsewhere, they can make your vehicle stand out more. Especially from states (or provinces) tat only require a single plate, as Mexico requires cars to have both a back and front plate.
Having a single plate can lead to more frequent police stops for random “inspections”. If you are from a one-plate place, you might request an additional one before traveling to Mexico as it could help minimize unnecessary attention.
It’s also important to be aware that illegal parking can lead to the police confiscating your license plate. To recover it, you’ll need to visit the police station, pay a fine, and retrieve your plate.
Watch out for instances where officers might unjustly take your plate, hoping you’ll offer a bribe on the spot for its return. This is illegal. If this happens, insist on a formal ticket and handle it through the proper channels at the police station.
9. You Should NOT Pay a Ticket on the Spot
Speaking of bribes, you should never pay a ticket on the spot. If you’re pulled over driving in Mexico, stay calm and friendly, but remain vigilant.
I’ll be honest with you, not every traffic stop is for a legitimate reason. Sometimes, they’re set up for a bribe, known locally as a mordidita. This is illegal. In Mexico, officers are not allowed to suggest that you pay a ticket on the spot. And you, as a driver, are not allowed to pay the ticket directly to the officers.
I’ll be the first to admit, this is an intimidating situation to be put in. But it’s a reality you could face while driving in Mexico. Instead of paying, firmly but politely ask for a printed ticket and express your intent to pay at the police station.
In many cases, this stance will lead the officers to back down and they will likely let you off with a “warning”. But patience is going to be your ally in these situations. Stay firm on your request for a printed ticket, but always polite and pleasant.
By insisting on proper procedure, you not only avoid contributing to corruption but also uphold legal standards.
10. Don’t Drink and Drive
This is another no-brainer for me, I’m not sure why you would but alas…
In Mexico, drinking and driving is not just a bad idea—it’s a surefire way to turn your trip into a nightmare. Imagine adding a stint in a Mexican jail to your travel stories, not exactly the adventure you’re looking for!
In most Mexican states, the blood alcohol level is 0.08, but some states have a threshold even lower. There are also frequent check stops in Mexico, in Progreso, where I live they have them every weekend. Ultimately, it’s just not worth it.
Beyond the obvious legal consequences, if you’re found to be drinking and driving your Mexican auto insurance will be immediately voided. That means if there’s an accident involved, you’re paying out of pocket. If you’re planning to drink, leave the driving to someone else.
11. Understand Driving on the Shoulder
It doesn’t take long to notice that many in Mexico have a penchant for speeding (don’t be tempted!). This is very common in Mexico.
This is where the local driving etiquette comes into play, and it’s probably not what you expect. If you’re moving slower than the surrounding traffic, it’s expected that you’ll drive on the shoulder.
This holds true even if you’re adhering to the speed limit and others are zooming past. The norm is to drive partially on the shoulder, ideally with your blinker on, to indicate your willingness to let faster vehicles pass.
This practice is so prevalent that you’ll frequently observe semi-trucks and other large vehicles adopting this position on highways. It’s a courtesy that keeps traffic flowing smoothly and minimizes congestion.
12. Avoid Gas Station Scams!
This tip is NOT me saying that everyone at a Mexican gas station is trying to scam you – that’s simply not true. Instead, I just want you to be aware of some common scams that you should be aware of.
One of the most common scams is when the attendant swaps the bill you hand them with something smaller, like exchanging a 200 peso note for a 20 peso one. To combat against this, clearly state what note you hand over.
You don’t pump your own gas in Mexico, so BEFORE the attendant starts be sure that they accept cards if you’re not paying in cash. They don’t all, so it’s good to always have Mexican pesos on hand.
When you arrive, tell the attendant how much gas you want IN MEXICAN PESOS. Alternatively, you can also say “llénalo” if you want the tank filled up. Then tell them how you want to pay, “efectivo” for cash or “tarjeta” for card. Finally, specific the TYPE of fuel you want otherwise you’ll probably get the most expensive one.
Pro Tip: Remember that Mexican gas stations fill up by the liter, not gallon, as Mexico uses the metric system
You also want to verify that the pump reads zero before the attendant begins fueling. And, if paying by card, make sure that you SEE the price before you accept it. These simple steps can go a long way in preventing unwanted surprises at gas stations.
13. Stick to Toll Roads (Where Possible)
We mentioned this before, but Mexicos roads aren’t always the best kept.
When driving through Mexico, I recommend sticking to the toll roads (cuotas) when you can. Unlike regular ol’ roads (libre), these toll roads are generally better maintained and offer an overall smoother experience.
If course, toll roads have a price attached to them. To budget accurately, make sure you check the toll prices in advanced. While these tools can add up, they’re well worth it, especially if you find that you HAVE TO drive at night (though try to avoid it!).
14. Have the Proper Paperwork
Most of the time when driving around Mexico you’ll need a Temporary Import Permit (TIP). It’s a straightforward process: pay a deposit at the Immigration office, which you’ll mostly get back when you leave Mexico within your visitation period.
There are exceptions to this rule, both Baja California and Quintana Roo are TIP-free zones, meaning you don’t need a TIP for your vehicle in these states. However, if your travel plans include crossing into other Mexican states from these areas, you’ll need to head back to the border to obtain a TIP.
15. Prepare for Military Checkpoints (But Don’t Be Alarmed)
While driving in Mexico, expect to encounter military checkpoints. These checkpoints, often near toll booths, are for routine inspections. They’re honestly nothing to be worried about.
Quick tips for a smooth experience:
- Lower all car windows as you approach for easy visibility.
- Have your car paperwork handy.
- Stay calm and cooperative – the military personnel are usually polite and efficient, mainly searching for drugs and firearms.
If asked to step out for a more thorough search, keep your valuables like wallets, phones, and electronic devices with you. While many military officers are trustworthy, it’s wise to avoid leaving items unattended. A little preparation and a cooperative attitude go a long way.
16. Keep an Eye Out for “Road Blocks”
In Mexico, be prepared for makeshift roadblocks set up by locals. Often, these are harmless: kids or vendors hoping to make a little extra cash or sell you something. They might stop you with a rope across the road and claim it’s blocked ahead.
Here’s what you can do:
- If it feels safe and you’re interested, stop and engage. A small purchase or even trading something like a soda can be a friendly exchange.
- If the situation looks threatening, or you’re unsure, keep driving calmly. The rope is usually dropped as you approach.
Always assess each situation calmly and decide the best course of action based on your comfort level.
17. Always Allow for Extra Time
When driving in Mexico, you ALWAYS want to allow for extra time. Expect that you’ll progress much slower than you intend to. Even if you’re on a stretch of road that allows for 100km/h, you might find out that you truck along at half the speed. As such is the experience driving through the country.
There can be plenty of reasons for this from road conditions to who’s out driving in the day, so we simply recommend being patience and allowing for ample time for a safe and stress-free journey. And plan to get to your destination well before dark.
18. Research Car Rental Prices
Renting a car in Mexico might seem incredibly cheap online, but be prepared for extra charges upon arrival. Compulsory add-ons, such as insurance and a temporary hire car permit, quickly increase the cost. Plus, if you plan to drop the car off at a different location, expect a significant surcharge.
Typically, daily rental costs range from $30 to $40. To navigate these costs effectively, we recommend using platforms like rentalcars.com. They compare prices across various rental companies, helping you make a well-informed choice and avoid unexpected expenses.
19. Download Google Maps Ahead of Time
Before hitting the roads in Mexico, a smart move is to download all necessary maps using offline features in apps like Google Maps. Do this while you’re connected to Wi-Fi, such as at your hotel. Set your destination each day before you leave to have the route stored on your phone.
Once you start driving, simply activate the route. Keep in mind, without data, the app won’t update for wrong turns or traffic changes. However, as long as you stay on the selected route, it’ll guide you to your destination.
Remember, GPS requires data roaming to be turned on, but you don’t need to purchase data for it to work. Also, avoid closing the app mid-journey, or you’ll lose the route. For an alternative, consider the Maps.me app, another great option for offline navigation. This preparation ensures a smoother and more confident driving experience in Mexico.
20. Be Aware of Traffic Light Differences
Navigating traffic lights in Mexico comes with a unique twist compared to other countries. Understanding this can save you from unwanted police encounters.
Apart from the standard red for stop and green for go, Mexico introduces a blinking green light. This is akin to the U.S. yellow light, meaning you can proceed through the intersection without accelerating. In contrast, a yellow light in Mexico is treated almost like a red light. Crossing an intersection on yellow here might get you pulled over.
Also, be aware that turning on red in Mexico is generally not allowed and frowned upon. Remembering these nuances can make your driving experience in Mexico smoother and hassle-free.
21. Plan in Advance
Embarking on a road journey in Mexico calls for some pre-trip planning. This isn’t just about mapping out your route, but also about preparing for the unexpected. Research your destinations, noting down key gas stations, potential rest stops, and areas to avoid, especially if driving at night.
It’s also wise to familiarize yourself with local driving norms and road conditions. Keep an eye on weather forecasts, as they can affect driving conditions dramatically. And don’t forget to have a backup plan — sometimes roads are closed or detours are necessary.
Planning ahead ensures a smoother, safer journey, allowing you to focus on enjoying the scenic drives and rich experiences Mexico has to offer. Remember, a well-planned trip is the key to a memorable adventure.
Final Thoughts: Driving in Mexico
Driving in Mexico is NOT nearly as scary as most people think it is. It’s like driving in any other country, especially if you know the lay of the land beforehand.
It’s so important that you take the time to prepare yourself for your trip. Don’t just simply pack up and go. While spontaneity can be a ton of fun, it could result in running into a situation you could have originally avoided.
Mexico is a BEAUTIFUL and diverse country, there’s so much out there to do and see. Many people experience successful and incident-free road trips through the country.
