Are you thinking of driving in Mexico? In this post, I will tell you everything you need to know before you set to drive in Mexico, so that you know what to expect, including the basic rules of the road in Mexico.
Driving in Mexico can be a lot of fun, but it certainly comes with challenges. I have done it often – including the first time I visited Mexico with my sister, when we went on a road trip from Mexico City to Cancun, passing through San Cristobal and Palenque, in Chiapas, Merida, Valladolid, and Tulum before finally returning our car at Cancun Airport and flying back home.
If you are considering renting a car for your Mexico trip, you should know what driving in Mexico entails. Here are a few things you should know – based on our experience.
Looking for an itinerary for your trip? Head over to my post, The Best Itinerary For A Mexico Road Trip.
What To Know About Driving In Mexico
Though driving in Mexico is relatively simple, you must first understand the rules of the road. This is the obvious way to start – especially when driving on unfamiliar roads! Here are a few of the driving in Mexico safety tips.
Driving is on the right
In Mexico, cars drive on the right and overtake on the left. Cars are left-hand drive. It’s the same as in the US and many places worldwide.
However, if you’re coming from Japan, Australia, the UK, or any other countries that drive on the left, you’ll have to get to grips with driving on the “wrong” side of the road (which can take some getting used to).
Follow speed limits
The first thing you need to be aware from if you are accustomed to driving in the United States is that Mexico uses the metric system. This means that the speed limit you see on road signs in Mexico is in km per hour (kph).
Understanding the speed limit in your driving area is important in Mexico. Although there are various speed limits depending on what type of road you’re driving on, it’s not uncommon to see locals speeding. Even so, that doesn’t mean that you should!
In urban areas, the speed limit is between 30 and 70 kph. In rural areas, 90 kph. On the highways, the speed limit is 100 to 120km/h.
Don’t think about breaking the speed limit – there are multiple police checkpoints, particularly in areas around Cancun and Tulum, where you could easily get pulled over by the police if you’re caught speeding – it happened to us as we were driving back to Cancun Airport and it resulted in a bribe (more about this later) we had to pay on the spot so we could go and not risk missing our flight!
Useful words to know when driving in Mexico
If you don’t speak Spanish, these words are useful to know as they will come up in many signs:
- Alto: Stop
- Retorno: Turn-around, you use these to make U-turns
- Entrada: Entrance
- Salida: Exit
- Restringido: Restricted area
- Prohibido: Do not enter
Be careful of speed cameras
Several fixed-speed cameras throughout Mexico are usually located on the outskirts of cities and urban roads.
These usually catch drivers coming off highways onto lower-speed limit roads. You also may come across speed enforcement units who will give you a ticket on the spot if they catch you speeding.
Expect police
Mention driving in Mexico to anyone who’s been there, and the police are bound to come up in the conversation. It’s true; these guys will undoubtedly stop you at some point during your trip if you’re driving – and you want to avoid giving them reasons to do so.
They may pull you over for something you’ve done, and other times, they may just make up some traffic infringement you’ve committed.
There are stories of people having to pay bribes to police in Mexico, which I know isn’t very ethical or something I would normally recommend, but this sort of thing can happen, particularly in the Maya Riviera. It’s actually happened to us, and when it did we decided to just pay and go.
Sure enough, don’t argue over a possible fine as the last thing you want is for Mexican police to take you to jail!
Wear your seat belt
You may be on vacation, but wearing a seat belt when you’re behind the wheel is still really important – that goes for your passengers, too. Everyone in the vehicle is required by law to wear a seat belt at all times.
If you don’t, you may be pulled over by the police or be waved at and reminded to wear your seat belt. Of course, it’s not just about the law – it’s about being safe too!
Stay on toll roads when possible
Toll roads (known as cuota roads in Mexico) are the most well-maintained, quickest, and most straightforward places to drive in Mexico – and there are many of them. Called cuotas in Spanish, these are the most popular way to travel long distances.
The Department of State advises driving on toll roads because of their level of safety and high standard of road conditions.
Toll roads are also recommended as, outside of large urban hubs, there’s limited access to roadside services and police, and toll roads allow them to respond quickly to anything that happens.
Insurance is required
Even if you are covered by insurance via your credit card or otherwise, you will still need Mexican insurance for any vehicle you drive in Mexico – hire car or otherwise. That’s just the rules!
Minimum third-party insurance is required. Check before you start your journey that the correct insurance covers you.
My post A Guide To Renting A Car In Mexico gives a full explanation on what kind of insurance you need when you rent a car in Mexico.
Carefully inspect your rental car
If you’re renting a car, you’ll want to scrutinize it. If you’re going through a company with bad practices, they might try to blame you for some scrapes and scratches to charge you more at the end of your trip.
I always take at least 10+ photos of the car, ensuring I get any camera damage. I also take a thorough video, just in case.
I’ve never had to use any of these images, and nothing has happened to me with a rental company, but it’s always better to be safe rather than sorry.
Have all your paperwork organized
If you’re traveling long distances, you’ll have to show your paperwork in plenty of situations. They’ll ask to see your papers if you get pulled over or drive through a checkpoint.
You can save time and stress by ensuring you have everything neatly organized in an easily accessible place before you start your trip.
You’ll want your Driver’s License, Proof of Insurance, Vehicle Title, Registration, Passport, Personal Contact Names, and Phone Number.
If you’re renting a car, you can ask the rental company where these papers are before leaving. Usually, they’re in the center console or the glove compartment.
Using cell phones is prohibited
Using your cell phone while driving in Mexico is illegal, not to mention unsafe.
Don’t think about taking that call or sending a message when you’re behind the wheel – if you get caught, you could be pulled over and fined by the police. It’s best just to leave your phone alone and focus on the road ahead (and safer, too).
Nowadays, plenty of car have a bluetooth system that allows you to connect your phone with the car, in case you need to take a call.
Expect varying road conditions
Roads come in all shapes and sizes in Mexico – from the modern, well-maintained toll roads to toll-free highways and small roads that pass through villages and roads that are no more than dirt tracks.
Toll roads are the fastest and safest, but if you want to see a little more local life, you may want to take some deviations through local villages and see some more natural scenery. To get to some places – cenotes in particular – driving on more local roads such as this is unavoidable.
Watch for topes (speedbumps)
You may not know about topes if you’re unfamiliar with driving in Mexico. This is the word for “speed bumps” in Mexico, but they’re not used the way you might expect them to be.
You need to look out for these, as they are often unmarked and found on all different types of roads. Some topes can even damage your vehicle if you hit them at speed.
You’ll find them mostly close to rural villages and outside towns. They can be made of concrete or rocks and are always quite extreme to drive over, so be careful!
Also watch for potholes
While topes may be a purposely created hazard, potholes aren’t and can be just as damaging. Many roads in Mexico, especially those that aren’t toll roads and therefore less well maintained, can often have large potholes.
Sometimes, these can be hard to spot – in some cases, all the warning you’ll get is the person in front of you suddenly swerving at the last minute. If they’re unavoidable, take it slowly to avoid damaging the car.
Other hazards when driving in Mexico
Not only will you have to watch out for other drivers, topes, and potholes, but you’ll also have to pay attention to other hazards found on Mexico’s roads.
Sometimes, you may find people walking on the side of roads, especially on the outskirts of urban areas and villages, so be careful when passing. Wild animals and dogs can easily stray across roads, so pay attention.
You’ll also have to watch out for motorbikes and mopeds that overtake from the left and right, almost always without warning. Make sure you check your mirrors at all times.
Know about roundabouts
Getting your head around roundabouts may be tricky if you are not accustomed to them as we are in Europe, but you must understand how they work in Mexico.
These traffic circles are a bit daunting at first, but the main thing to note is that the cars on the roundabout already have priority, so you need to give way to them (not the other way around). What that means is that you have to wait to enter the traffic on the roundabout.
Traffic lights in Mexico
The most important thing you need to know about traffic lights in Mexico is that – much like elsewhere – you are supposed to stop at the yellow light.
One tricky thing to notice: traffic lights go from green to yellow, then they flash for a few seconds before becoming red. In some cases, they also flash when green before turning yellow.
Another thing to know about traffic lights in Mexico is that it is not uncommon to find people that want to clean your windshield for a small tip. You can say no if you don’t want or need this.
Use retornos (U-turns) when needed
If you’ve gone the wrong way on a highway, don’t worry; you won’t have to wait for the next exit. Just look out for retornos.
These dedicated highway lanes allow you to make a U-turn to the left and return the way you came – very handy if you missed your turn!
Gas stations in Mexico
It’s always important to ensure you have enough gas in your tank before starting a journey in Mexico. Depending on where you are and where you’re traveling, there may not be much access to gas stations on the road – that’s the case on the highway from San Cristobal to Palenque, in Chiapas.
If you pass a gas station on your route, it’s a good idea to top up until full – you never know when the next one will appear.
In Mexico, gas stations are not self-serve. An attendant will come pump gas for you and offer additional services like cleaning the windshield or checking your tires for a small tip.
Another thing to note is that not all gas stations can take a credit card, so it’s a good idea to keep some pesos in your car when you need to pay for gas. Many gas station attendants may even check your oil and clean your windscreen for you, which is lovely, and you should tip them a few pesos for their trouble.
In smaller towns without gas stations, you may be able to find a small store that sells gas. Just ask a local if there’s one of these nearby.
Don’t drive in Mexico at night
It is not advised to drive at night in Mexico. It’s completely fine to drive in daylight, but you should ensure that your journey is completed before the sun goes down for various reasons.
One of the main dangers is that many of Mexico’s roads are not lit, so dangerous hazards – such as topes, potholes, and animals on the road – won’t be obvious or even visible.
It’s also much easier to get lost at nighttime, especially if you’ve spent the day at a cenote and must travel back along rural roads. Finally, driving at night puts you at a higher risk of catching up with the wrong people.
All in all, driving at night in Mexico is not a good idea!
Be aware of locals and the separatists’ territory
Sometimes, you’ll come across roadblocks put in place by the locals. These are usually tree trunks or ropes spread across the road, making all the cars stop. They might ask for a small tax to pass through, or they’ll tell you the road is closed while others try to sell stuff to you.
This is more common in states like Oaxaca and Chiapas, much poorer regions.
However, you might have people flag down the car and then try to sell things to you in the Riviera Maya.
The separatists’ territory is in Chiapas, which the Zapatistas largely control. They are an anti-government movement that’s been around for a while. Sometimes, taxes and roadblocks are on the short road from Palenque to San Cristobal de las Casa.
The ADO bus goes around this road entirely, taking the long way around to the west and through Tuxtla Gutierrez.
Expect longer travel times
If you use Google Maps to navigate Mexico, expect longer travel times. Unlike the United States and Europe, where the maps are accurate to the tea, the time estimates usually aren’t very accurate.
There might be traffic, road closures, immigration checks, or just poor road conditions that slow things down.
I usually add another 30-60 minutes to the arrival estimate (for longer distances) just to be safe. However, sometimes, it can take hours longer, depending on the conditions.
Download offline maps
Speaking of maps and navigation, download offline maps before your trip (and maybe offline music).
Reception can be spotty in certain parts of Mexico and may cut out for hours of your trip. So, be prepared for this.
Google Maps and many other major map applications offer an offline proponent. You’ll just need to go in and make sure it’s downloaded while you’re on WiFi. I recommend downloading maps for all of Mexico, just to be safe.
Don’t travel on an expired visa
This should say that you don’t travel around on an expired Mexican visa. Most people get a 6-months visa, so hopefully, it should be pretty easy. But make sure you check your Mexican visa right after going through immigration so you know how long you have.
Some people only get a few weeks for whatever reason. It’s usually left up to the discretion of the immigration officer.
You don’t want to be driving around with an expired visa. There are sometimes immigration checkpoints where they’ll check your passport and visa when passing between states.
If you’re on an expired visa, they have every authority to take you into the immigration department, which you don’t want.
Don’t drive under the influence
It’s illegal to drive under the influence of alcohol in Mexico. The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.08%. Driving under the influence of alcohol or any other substance will put you at high risk of being in a dangerous situation and being pulled over by police.
Driving In Mexico – FAQs
Should you rent a car in Mexico?
First, you may be trying to decide whether you want to rent a car. Most people travel to Mexico without a car.
The bus system is very good. There are major bus lines that connect every point of interest.
However, there are a lot of perks to having a car, too. You’ll have a lot more freedom and the chance to visit more off-grid locations and ruins, and you can travel on your own time.
I think renting a car in Mexico is worth it, as long as you’re confident driving.
When renting a car in Mexico (and anywhere else in the world) I use Discover Cars, my favorite comparison site. They have a very powerful engine that searches international corporations as well as local companies, pulling out the best car rental deals, and they also have free cancellation up to 48 hours before you actually pick up the car. They also offer a very budget-friendly full coverage policy.
Do you Need an International Driver’s License in Mexico?
If you have an American driving license, you do not need an international driver’s license to drive in Mexico. A selection of other countries are also exempt from acquiring an international driver’s license before travel.
Whether you can use your own license or an international one, you must still have it on you and in the car while driving. A good rule of thumb is that you’ll need to get an international driver’s license if your driver’s license is not in English (but that’s not always the case).
How old do you need to be to drive in Mexico?
The minimum driving age in Mexico is 15, although that is with parental supervision. The age for driving independently is 18. However, renting a car in Mexico requires you to be 21 or older.
Some rental car companies may charge a young driver a surcharge if you are under 25.
Do you need to speak Spanish?
Being a Spanish-speaking country, it pays to have some basic Spanish phrases under your belt when you travel to Mexico.
When it comes to driving, knowledge of Spanish is important. You can ask for directions and help, talk to the police if needed, and even do simple things like read road signs. Maybe keep a Spanish phrasebook in the car, just in case.
Is driving in Mexico safe?
Mexico is a large country with various roads and regions with different approaches to road safety. Depending on where you plan to drive in Mexico, some places are safer than others.
Driving in Mexico offers an amazing way to see the country and explore at your own pace. Although it can feel daunting at first, it’s not too scary. Generally, it’s safe, but you should research your destinations before hopping behind the wheel.
You should take a few precautions on a road trip – for starters, make sure your phone is fully charged, have a full gas tank, and do not drive at night.
Where can I park in Mexico?
Some hotels and accommodations in Mexico offer free parking or parking at an additional cost to your room rate. Many top sights have specific car parks, but others – such as more remote beaches, cenotes, and some Mayan ruins – will have an unofficial car park.
Often, there are unofficial parking attendants for whom you should pay a few pesos to help you navigate into a space.
Parking can be a real pain in cities and urban areas, but you should always park in a designated, safe spot where your car can be seen.
Further Readings
These posts will come in handy when planning a trip to Mexico:
- The Best Travel Tips For Mexico
- How To Get From Mexico City To Puebla
- How To Get From Mexico City To Oaxaca
- How To Get From Cancun To Merida
- How To Get From Cancun To Tulum
- A Guide To Tipping In Mexico
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