Cars in Mexico

Driving in Mexico

Driving in Mexico requires getting used to and a lot of care. Generally the road network is very extensive and includes very good highways, although maintenance may not always be up to scratch. Speed limits are usually 110 km/h on highways and 40 km/h in cities and urban areas, however these limits are not always enforced on the part of the police and very rarely abided by on the part of motorists.

Always watch out for unlit cars, rocks, potholes, steep shoulders, deep gutters, and animals on the roads. You’ll sometimes encounter livestock and many dogs near urban areas when traveling along the highway (including many dogs that have been run over). You will also encounter speed bumps (topes) on the road and sometimes they are not visible, with either the paint having faded or the sign being absent.

Expect possible drug and weapons searches on the part of police or soldiers, especially on roads near the U.S. border. Another hazard to beware of is the number of trucks on the road. They don’t always stick to the slow lane and one should always be careful when trying to overtake them, especially on single-lane roads. There is an extensive network of toll roads (autopistas) and you should go along these roads when available. They are more convenient, better maintained, and more secure. Make sure you have a good road map with you, the best being the AAA Interstate Road Atlas and the AAA Mexico Travel Book.

Tourists may drive with an international license or the driver's license of their own country.

Driving in the City

When driving in the city, rules are often laxly enforced and followed. It’s not a good idea to have too much faith in road signs and traffic lights. Many motorists disregard traffic lights or “stop” and “give way” signs and decide to stop or go upon their own intuition. A one-way street is not always a one-way street. Most motorists also forsake the need to signal any turn they may want to make so beware of this fact, and make sure you always keep a safe distance between your own vehicle and the one in front of you.

You should be aware and alert of possible abnormalities at all times – this is doubly valid at nighttime and on weekends. Beware of crime, making sure your doors are always locked and your windows up. In questions of parking, lots are safe and inexpensive and preferable to parking on the street. Most restaurants, bars, clubs and hotels have their own valet parking services.

In Case of Trouble

If you experience an accident, the Mexican legal system requires all drivers involved in the accident to be detained until responsibility is assessed. In minor accidents, your insurance should cover the damage. Detention and jail can be expected if the guilty driver causes an accident that leads to loss of life, at least until he or she pays any fines or restitutes the victims’ family.

In the case of mechanical problems on the road, you can always rely on the “Green Angels” (Angeles Verdes), a network of bilingual mechanics maintained by the Mexican Ministry of Tourism who patrol the highways. If you have a phone handy and your car has broken down, you can call their 24-hour service in Mexico City on 5250-8221 or 5250-0123. Roadside mechanics can also take care of your car efficiently and inexpensively.

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