Driving in Mexico Is More Art Than Science

What Travelers Need to Know That You Won’t Find in a Rulebook

Forget what you’ve heard about driving in Mexico. While you might have been warned about crazy traffic, police asking for money, or the dreaded speed bumps (topes), the truth is that driving in Mexico can be an unique experience. It’s the best way to explore the country and see its culture up close. And, driving there is mostly painless if you stay alert and go with the flow.

I’ve driven all over Mexico, from the thick jungles of the Costalegre to the deserts of Baja and the mangroves of the Yucatán. I can tell you: it’s not always easy, but it’s always an unforgettable journey, in a good way!

Before You Go: Legal Requirements

Before you even start your engine, there are a couple of important things every foreign driver needs to know.

• Your U.S. or Canadian driver’s license is fine. You do not need an International Driving Permit (IDP) as long as your license is in English and valid.

• Mexican car insurance is mandatory. This is the most important legal rule. Your U.S. or Canadian car insurance policy is not valid for liability coverage in Mexico. Liability insurance pays for damages or injuries you might cause to other people or their property. Mexican law requires you to have a policy from a licensed Mexican insurance company. Without it, you could face fines, have your car taken away, or even be held by police after a serious accident. For peace of mind, it’s a good idea to get a policy that also includes legal aid. This can be a huge help if you get into a traffic incident.

• A Temporary Vehicle Importation Permit (TIP) is required for all foreign vehicles driving outside the ‘free zone,’ which includes border zones, all of Baja, and parts of Sonora (including Puerto Peñasco).

• All visitors to Mexico must have a Forma Migratoria Múltiple (FMM) or Tourist Permit. It is free if you are staying for less than 7 days.

Road Signs

Mexican road signs are mostly familiar, but a few may seem confusing, and they’re often only in Spanish. The signs themselves aren’t the only challenge; they can come in different shapes and sizes and are sometimes hidden by trees or other obstacles. An additional problem is that not everyone pays attention to them.

Common Spanish signs to know:

• Alto = Stop. The stop sign is a red octagon just like in the U.S. The difference is that it can be at any height and hidden behind trees and bushes, and therefore sometimes it is easy to miss. Stop signs are often treated as “suggestions,” especially if no one is coming. A lot of Mexican citizens do not come to a complete stop and get away with it, but tourists often get tickets for not doing so. Keep a lookout and be sure to stop.

• Ceda el paso = Yield. The yield sign is an upside-down white triangle with a red border.

• No estacionar = No parking. The no parking sign is often an E with a red circle and line through it.

• Curva peligrosa = Dangerous curve. This sign is usually a yellow diamond with the direction of the curve indicated with an arrow.

• Retorno = U-turn allowed.

• Speed Limits are posted in kilometers per hour (km/h). Speed limits are posted on a white sign with a red circle around the number. The speed limit is in km/h, even if the “km/h” is missing from underneath the number. Similarly, distances on signs and highways markers are in kilometers.

Other road signs and their meanings:

Common Situations to Be Ready For

Driving in Mexico involves more than just watching out for potholes, though, now that I mention it, watch out for potholes! If you only follow the written rules, you’ll quickly find yourself out of sync. Here are some other things every driver should anticipate:

• Topes (speed bumps): You’ll find these everywhere—in cities, small towns, and even on stretches of highway. Some are well-marked, and some seem to appear out of nowhere. If you don’t approach them slowly, it could cost you some physical damage to your prized motorized carriage. They can also be hard to see at night.

• Left-Turn Signals: A left-turn signal on a highway DOES NOT ALWAYS mean the car ahead is turning left. It can mean “it’s safe for you to pass me.” Or the driver may be about to pull over to the right to allow all the traffic to pass before making his turn. You never really know, so always proceed with caution.

• Passing on Highways: Passing is often done across double yellow lines. I’ve seen it happen on blind turns. When I pass, I always wait until I can see far enough ahead, but I’ve learned to assume not everyone else is as cautious.

• Hazard Lights: Drivers often use them during heavy rain, in a traffic jam, or when slowing down suddenly, sometimes instead of brake lights.

• Flashing headlights: This can be used to indicate you should not pull out into traffic or, like in the U.S., that there’s a problem ahead.

• Tailgating: This is very common, especially on highways. Don’t take it personally.

• Honking: A honk isn’t always aggressive. It can be a friendly nudge to move, a “heads up” at an intersection, or even a thank you.

• Turning or Merging: Be confident and assertive when making turns or merging. If you wait too long for the “perfect” gap in traffic, you’ll be seen as holding up the flow. If you hesitate, other drivers might honk at you or pass you.

• One-way Streets: One-way streets are common. The signs (CIRCULACIÓN) are smaller or not even posted. If you’re not sure, look for what direction parked cars are facing. If the street isn’t busy and you know you’re going the wrong way just flip on your hazard lights.

• Military checkpoints: These are either permanent or temporary. While it may be intimidating to see soldiers with guns, they are inspecting vehicles for illegal drugs and guns, with the purpose of making México safer. Expect to be stopped and asked where you are coming from and where you are going. They probably will not speak English. You will likely be waved on but you may be asked to step out of your vehicle so they can search it. If so, be polite and understand they are doing their job. When they are done, you will be on your way again. In the event they detain you and your vehicle, you need to request access to your country’s consulate.

• Agriculture checkpoints: These are usually stationed near state borders and their purpose it to prevent contamination of crops with invasive species. These are usually quick, “do you have any fresh fruits or vegetables” questions and you barely even stop.

• Staying in Your Lane: Traffic lanes can sometimes scoot over a few feet after an intersection. This is where staying aware and making eye contact with your fellow motorists is helpful.

• Roadblocks: Pedestrians, cyclists, livestock, or dogs might wander onto the road, especially in rural areas. Those on foot don’t always use marked crossing points and vendors might dart out in the streets to attract the attention of a potential customer. When I was driving up the Baja peninsula, I sometimes felt like the only person in the world, until a pack of dogs appeared out of nowhere.

• Unexpected Maneuvers: It is common for drivers to make sudden U-turns, stop unexpectedly in the road, not stop at a stop sign, or change lanes without using a turn signal.

• Vendors at Red Lights: In cities, people may approach your car to sell you gum, water, or newspapers. A polite “no, gracias” (no, thank you) is fine if you’re not interested.

• Border Crossings: You’ll encounter lines, paperwork checks, and vendors selling snacks, souvenirs, or windshield cleanings. Handle it the same as you would a red-light vendor. If your windshield needs washing, a peso or two is an acceptable tip.

• Street Performers: It’s common to see juggling clowns, puppeteers, and sometimes fire breathers performing and collecting donations all within the span of one red light. You are not obligated to give a donation, unless you enjoyed the show.

On certain highways, like Highway 305 in Quintana Roo, there aren’t always proper exits. If you need to reach a destination on the opposite side of the road, or if you missed your turn, you must drive to the next designated retorno (U-turn Lane), swing across the median, and double back to your desired stop.

Road Types and Conditions

Not all Mexican roads are created equal. Here’s what to expect:

• Cities: Expect narrow streets, inconsistent signage, and lots of stop-and-go traffic. Historic centers may have cobblestone streets.

• Highways: Major toll highways (called cuotas) are generally in excellent condition, with smoother pavement and fewer surprise topes, making for faster travel. Free roads (libres) can be slower, rougher, and more crowded with trucks or buses.

• Rural roads: Potholes, livestock, and limited lighting are common.

Practical Tips for a Smoother Drive

A few strategies can make driving in Mexico more manageable:

• Plan your route. Coming up with a well-planned travel route, preferably on toll roads, can relieve a lot of the stress of driving.

• Drive during daylight hours only. Mexican highways are not well lit, making it hard to see road hazards like potholes, topes, animals, and pedestrians. Driving around town after dark is generally okay but avoid unfamiliar/isolated areas for safety reasons.

• Stay especially alert during holidays. Traffic increases significantly during Semana Santa, Christmas, and holiday weekends.

• Keep cash handy. You not only get a better exchange rate, but you’ll also need it for tolls and parking.

• Use GPS but double-check. Google Maps is usually reliable, but road signs may be missing, or the road may not exist as shown. Also, cell service can be spotty in some locations.

• Understand police stops. Interactions with police are usually professional. If you are pulled over, do not offer a bribe. If the officer asks for an on-the-spot fine, calmly ask for a written ticket and state that you will pay it at the police station. Nine times out of ten, this will end the conversation.

• Don’t drink and drive: Driving under the influence will void a Mexican insurance policy. And in Mexico a BAC of 0.04 is considered legally drunk (0.08 in the U.S.).

• Plan Your Fuel Stops: Always plan for fuel stops, as gas stations can be far apart or sometimes closed or out of gas. Gas stations in Mexico are full service, meaning the attendant pumps the gas for you and sometimes washes your windshield. It is common to tip the attendant 10-20 pesos.

• Get a Mexico car insurance policy. It’s the law.

Driving Distances to Top Destinations

Whether going for a day trip or making a once-in-a-lifetime road trip, Mexico has a lot to offer with four separate coastlines, a vast and mountainous center region, and other hidden gems offering a rich history, culinary delights, and a lot of friendly faces. Here are some popular destinations and the distance from the U.S., to help you decide which is for you.

Stay Alert, Adapt, and Enjoy the Ride

Driving in Mexico is safe if you stay alert, flexible, and respect the laws and local norms. Think of it less as a rulebook and more as an art form. Every journey will surprise you, but that’s part of the fun.

With the right mix of caution, humor, and curiosity, you’ll discover that driving in Mexico isn’t just a way to get from Point A to Point B. It’s a window into the country’s culture and daily life.

Helpful Resources:

• Mexican Car Insurance: Mexico Tourist Auto Insurance for U.S. and Canadian Plated Vehicles
• Roadside Assistance: The Green Angels (Ángeles Verdes) - Dial 078. Your Mexpro auto insurance policy also includes roadside assistance, learn more about Mexpro’s Roadside Assistance in Mexico.
• Emergency Services: Dial 911. What To Do If You Have an Emergency While Traveling in Mexico