Driving in Mexico: How to Prepare and Stay Safe

Traveling through Mexico by car can be an exciting and more independent way to explore the country. Especially if you want to go to less frequented places or combine several destinations into a road trip. However, before you hit the road, there are several important factors you should consider to ensure a smooth and safe journey. Here you can find information about driving in Mexico, including the need for car insurance, safety concerns, and necessary documentation. So, get ready and start your road trip well-prepared!

Is Driving a Car in Mexico Safe?

Driving in Mexico can be safe as long as you take appropriate precautions and stay informed about the road conditions and local regulations.

Safety Precautions and Road Conditions

• Stick to Major Roads and Daytime Driving: Major highways and toll roads (known as “cuotas”) are generally well-maintained and safer. It’s also safer to drive during daylight hours, as roads can be less predictable at night. It’s easy to overlook topes (speed bumps) and baches (potholes) even during the day and more so at night.
• Be Cautious of Local Driving Habits: Mexican driving habits can differ from those in other countries. Be prepared for more aggressive driving, and always be alert and defensive. For example, the following things are relatively common:
  • Cars overtaking you on the right (although it’s forbidden)
  • Cars signaling although they don’t intend to turn right or left anytime soon (and not signaling when they do want to turn). On the highway, however, if a car in front of you uses the left indicator it can also mean that the car behind is safe to pass. But be careful as it’s hard to interpret whether the driver means you can overtake, or if they just forgot to turn off the signaling lights after their last turn.
  • People, bikes, moto-taxis, and animals on the highway
  • Dogs sleeping on the streets and walking calmly along the streets in villages and towns
• Avoid Remote Areas: While Mexico is beautiful, some remote areas can be unsafe, especially for tourists. Stick to well-traveled routes and populated areas.
• Know the Emergency Numbers: The emergency number in Mexico is 911, just like in the U.S. Keep this number handy. If you drive on a toll road, there’s often an additional emergency number on the back of the payment receipt.
• Check Travel Advisories: Before traveling, check for any travel advisories or warnings related to specific regions in Mexico. It’s sad but true that some areas can have issues with the cartels, so you want to make sure you don’t get caught in the midst of it. Another good idea is to ask the locals, for example, the hotel staff or your Airbnb host, for any current advice on which routes to avoid.
• Vehicle Safety: Ensure your vehicle is in good condition, and carry a spare tire, jack, and basic tools. Also, having a map or GPS can be very helpful.

What kind of driver’s license do I need to drive in Mexico?

A valid driver’s license from your home country is sufficient. There’s no need to obtain an international driver’s license for your Mexico vacation (but it’s accepted as a valid driver’s license).

Only as a resident of Mexico do you need to obtain a Mexican driver’s license after a couple of months in the country. However, it’s not really enforced and you might get away with using your foreign license (but I wouldn’t risk it).

How Fast Can I Drive in Mexico? What Else to Consider?

Avoid getting fined by understanding the local laws and regulations.

Speed Limits and Traffic Laws

• Speed Limits: Speed limits are posted in kilometers per hour (km/h). Common limits are 40-60 km/h in urban areas, 80-100 km/h on highways, and 110 km/h on toll roads. That translates to roughly 25-37 mph in urban areas, 50-62 mph on highways, and 68 mph on toll roads. In school areas or pedestrian zones, the speed limit can be only 20 km/h (12 mph). However, make sure to stick to what’s being signaled.
• Seat Belts: Wearing seat belts is mandatory for all occupants.
• Child Safety: Children under five should be in a child safety seat.
• Alcohol Limits: The legal blood alcohol limit is lower than in the U.S. and has been further reduced in 2022 with the “Ley de Movilidad y Seguridad Vial“. It’s now at 0.05% for car drivers and 0.02% for motorcyclists (blood alcohol). But better avoid drinking and driving altogether.
• Stop Signs and Traffic Lights: Obey all stop signs (“ALTO”) and traffic lights. Some intersections have no traffic signals, so proceed with caution and yield as necessary. Be also prepared to find the traffic light or signal on the opposite side of where you would expect it to be. See also Are There Special Conditions and Traffic Signs for Driving in Mexico?

Do I Need Car Insurance to Drive in Mexico?

Yes, you should have car insurance when driving in Mexico. When you’re only on vacation in Mexico and rent a car, the rental service normally provides car insurance. Make sure not to go cheap here and get the full coverage insurance.

When you enter Mexico with your own car from the U.S. or Canada, be aware that U.S. and Canadian car insurance policies are not recognized in Mexico. Mexican law requires that all drivers have liability insurance from a Mexican insurance company, which covers you in case of an accident where you are found to be at fault. Again, I’d suggest buying full coverage insurance instead of trying to save a few bucks. Make sure to purchase the insurance before entering the country, so you’re covered as soon as you cross the border. You can get a quote online from Mexican insurance providers. The usual cost is between 20-30 USD a day, but it depends on various factors.

Are There Special Conditions and Traffic Signs for Driving in Mexico?

There are some specialties to driving in Mexico that you should be aware of:

• Topes (Speed Bumps): Speed bumps are quite frequent in villages and smaller towns. But they sometimes turn up in unexpected places (in between villages, for example). Then they’re usually marked with a yellow signpost either directly next to it or some meters in advance with an indication of the distance the speed bump is to be expected. The speed bump itself is sometimes painted with yellow stripes if they’ve been officially built by the local government. However, the color fades off quickly, so don’t rely on it. Also, speed bumps are sometimes less officially built, and then there’s no indication at all.
• Baches (Potholes): Potholes are very frequent and often hard to anticipate. And even paying for a toll road is no guarantee for a pothole-free highway. That means you should always have your eyes on the street ahead. Also, be prepared for other cars to try to dodge potholes abruptly, so always keep a certain distance when driving next to another car or when overtaking. The best streets with very few baches we found in the state of Yucatan (best driving experience so far).
• “Uno por Uno” (1×1): The “1×1” street signs can often be found in smaller villages, but sometimes also in sidestreets of bigger cities. This sign means that you should approach the intersection with caution and less speed. At the intersection, you agree with the drivers trying to cross your path on who goes first. If there are already several cars passing before you, then each one takes an alternating turn.

Where Can I Park My Car?

If you’re not staying at a hotel, you can park your car in the following areas mentioned below. The Spanish word for parking is “Estacionamiento”, and is sometimes just marked with the letter “E” for short.

• Parking Garages: You can find parking garages in all bigger cities. This is normally the safest option to park your car. At some parking garages, you park your car yourself and get a ticket at the entrance barrier. At other parking garages, you leave your car at the entrance and an assistant is parking your car for you. When the assistant returns your car, it’s usual to give him a tip of 5-15 pesos (0.3-0.9 USD).
• Parking Lots: Parking lots can be found fenced or unfenced in backyards and elsewhere.
• On the Street: You can also park your car on the street. You might have to pay or stick to a certain time limit. When unsure whether it’s allowed to park there, ask a local (“Puedo estacionar aquí?” (PWAY-do es-tuh-cyo-NAR uh-KEY)). They’re usually very friendly and happy to help. It depends on the area if it’s safe to park on the street, though. In Sisal, for example, we had our car on the street for 4 weeks, day and night, and nothing happened. It’s very safe there. Some areas of Puebla City are said to be less safe even during the day. You might find your car without tires (and everyone in the city knows at which shop you can buy them back).

For all three options, check the opening hours (some close for the night) and how much it costs.

What Do I Need to Consider About Gas Stations?

You can find gas stations (gasolineras in Spanish) easily in Google Maps. Pemex is the national brand. Most gas stations are still fully serviced, so you don’t have to even step out of your car. There are some things to consider, though.

• Gas stations are widely available throughout Mexico, but in remote areas, they can be sparse. Plan your refueling stops accordingly.
• Make sure that the counter is nulled before the assistant starts to fill your tank. At the bigger chain gas stations, nulling it beforehand is a common procedure, but you never know.
• “Lleno, regular, por favor” (“YAY-no, re-goo-LAR, por-fuh-VOR”) means “Please fill up, regular gas”. When the tank is full, they might ask you if you want to round it up, you can just say yes or no (“Sí” / “No”).
• “¿Tarjeta o en efectivo?” means “By credit card or cash?”
• It’s usual to tip the assistant, I usually give 10-15 pesos (0.6-0.9 USD).

What Do I Do In Case of a Breakdown on a Mexican Highway?

When you have a breakdown on a Mexican highway, do the following:

• Call Your Car Insurance: If you have car insurance (which you should), call them for help.
• Get Help from the Green Angels (Los Angeles Verdes): In Mexico, the Green Angels offer breakdown service on major highways and toll roads. Their service is free, but if you need a new tire or liquids like gas or oil, you pay for the material. They only operate during the day, and you can contact them by calling 078. If you’re on a toll road, check the back of the receipt; sometimes there’s an additional number indicated.

Is There Anything to Consider When Driving on Toll Roads?

• Check up front how much cash you’ll need: Most toll roads accept only cash, so make sure you have enough money on you before you hit the road. Use Google Maps for an estimate of the toll, and bring some more (in case you miss the right exit and need to make a detour).
• Keep the receipt: Keep the receipt you’re being handed at the toll road station as long as you’re on the highway. It serves as proof that you’ve paid in case you’re involved in an accident or have a breakdown. Sometimes, an additional number to contact the Green Angels (Los Angeles Verdes) is indicated on the back of the receipt.

Which GPS Can I Use to Drive in Mexico?

To know how to get to your destination, the most obvious choice is to use a GPS. There are standalone devices and smartphone navigation apps.

• Bring a Standalone GPS Device: If you own a standalone GPS device (like TomTom or Garmin), don’t forget to update the maps before arriving in Mexico to have the most current data.
• Use Smartphone Navigation Apps: You can use cost-free smartphone apps like Google Maps or Waze to drive. This requires data volume on your mobile phone. TomTom also offers an app (TomTom Go Navigation), but it’s not for free and currently costs around 5 USD/month, or 23 USD yearly. If you plan to travel to remote locations where the network coverage isn’t guaranteed, use an offline map by downloading your itinerary upfront to your device. See also my post on Best Options for Staying Connected in Mexico.

How Should I Behave When Getting Stopped By the Police?

There are many rumors when it comes to being stopped by the police in Mexico, and some of the stories you hear from others might be true. When we traveled through the Yucatan peninsula, we did get stopped a couple of times. Especially when crossing from one federal state to another it can happen, and there are also random stop-and-searches. Sometimes they just want to know where you’re going, sometimes they want to check some vehicle number to see if it’s stolen. Once they wanted to see our registration documents and have a look at what’s in our trunk (they didn’t really search it, though). Anyway, here are some tips:

• Stay Calm and Polite: The police officers are just doing their job. They have to check for stolen cars, make sure there’s no smuggling across state borders, and show presence. So don’t expect the worst.
• Keep Your Papers Ready: Make sure you have all the papers you might need ready to show. It’s advisable to carry a photocopy of your passport and visa rather than the originals.
• Avoid Bribery: Corruption can be an issue in some places, and you might be tempted to offer a bribe (“mordida” in Spanish) to avoid hassle. However, this can complicate matters further and is illegal. There’s been a huge campaign in Mexico in the past years to reduce bribery in official posts. Instead, if you feel the stop is unjustified, calmly request to go to the police station to resolve the issue officially.
• Have Proof: When you drive in your own car, a dash cam can be helpful to prevent any false accusations (for example, of having crossed red lights and such). If you don’t, you might want to consider documenting what’s going on discreetly on your phone. You can also ask the officials to present their ID if they haven’t done so to make sure it’s really the police.
• Have an Emergency Contact: Having a language barrier can sometimes be an advantage. The police might just let you pass to avoid any more hassle trying to communicate with you. However, if they insist and there’s no way around it, have a contact number of someone ready that could help translate. That can be the hotel staff or a local friend.

How Do I Rent a Car in Mexico?

Renting a car on your vacation isn’t complicated. Be aware, however, of the requirements and the types of insurance the rental car companies offer.

Requirements to Rent a Car in Mexico

To rent a car in Mexico, you need to fulfill certain requirements:

• Age Requirement: Most car rental companies in Mexico require drivers to be at least 21 years old. However, drivers under 25 may face a young driver surcharge.
• Driver’s License: You must present a valid driver’s license from your home country. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is not typically required, but having one can help translate your license if it’s not in English or Spanish.
• Credit Card and Deposit: A major credit card (Visa, MasterCard, or American Express) is usually required to rent a car. The rental company will place a hold on your card for the estimated rental charges plus a security deposit. The deposit amount varies depending on the rental company and the type of car. It typically ranges from 200 to 1,000 USD. Ensure your credit card has sufficient available credit to cover this hold.
• Required ID: Bring your passport as your official ID to rent the car.

Mandatory and Optional Insurance

When you rent a car in Mexico, you have the option to choose between full coverage and basic coverage. I suggest always opting for full coverage for peace of mind, even if it might be a bit more expensive. Before signing the rental car contract, though, make sure you understand what is included in the coverage. Here’s an overview of what parts can be included:

• Liability Insurance: Third-party liability insurance (Responsabilidad Civil) is mandatory in Mexico. This covers damages or injuries you cause to others. Some rental companies include this in the rental price, while others charge it separately.
• Collision Damage Waiver (CDW): CDW is optional but highly recommended. It covers damage to the rental car in the event of an accident. Without it, you could be liable for the full cost of repairs.
• Theft Protection: This optional coverage protects you in case the rental car is stolen. Like CDW, it can significantly reduce your financial liability.
• Supplemental Liability Insurance (SLI): Provides additional liability coverage beyond the basic mandatory insurance. This can be useful if you want higher coverage limits.
• Personal Accident Insurance (PAI): Covers medical expenses for you and your passengers in case of an accident.

Returning the Rental Car

Make sure you understand when and where you have to return the car. Usually, you get the car with a full tank and have to return it with a full tank.

What Do I Need to Travel to Mexico by Car?

Before traveling to Mexico by car from the United States or Canada, you need to prepare some things in advance.

Essential Documentation and Preparations

• Passport and Tourist Card (FMM): All travelers, including U.S. and Canadian citizens, need a valid passport. Upon entering Mexico, you will be issued a tourist card (Forma Migratoria Múltiple, FMM), which allows you to stay in the country for up to 180 days.
• Mexican Car Insurance: As mentioned earlier, Mexican car insurance is mandatory.
• Temporary Vehicle Importation Permit (TIP): Required for travel beyond the border zones, unless you stay in the “Free Zone” of Baja California and the border towns.
• Vehicle Registration: Carry your vehicle registration documents.
• Driver’s License: A valid driver’s license from your home country is sufficient.
• Health and Travel Insurance: Although not mandatory, having health and travel insurance that covers you in Mexico is highly recommended.

Have a Nice Trip!

If you’re well prepared and observe certain rules for driving in Mexico, you’ll certainly have a pleasant journey. Remember to bring all necessary documentation and navigate carefully. If you have more questions about driving in Mexico, feel free to contact me and let me know.

Related Posts:

Best Options for Staying Connected in Mexico

Useful Apps for Traveling to Mexico