Driving in Mexico
Bringing Pets to Mexico
City in Mexico
Driving in mexico
Driving in Mexico is much safer than you think. I’ve operated vehicles both on and off-road since 1968. I speak from experience. Many who say it’s unsafe have never gone or had a bad experience. I’ve driven in Los Angeles and Houston and had terrible experiences, but I don’t warn you not to drive in L.A. or Houston.
Enjoy the Drive
Driving through Mexico’s scenic countryside is a dream that thousands of American tourists partake in every year. Thanks to the government’s massive infrastructure expenditure, Mexican roads are now safer than they’ve ever been. American drivers need to keep a watch on differences in local driving habits and conditions to avoid making mistakes. Driving in Mexico can be a lot of fun, but know the rules and the culture. On freeways and toll roads, driving is very similar to driving in the USA. You signal to pass and pull over to the ample shoulders in an emergency. Speed limits are posted in kilometers per hour. Some police in Mexico, similar to those at home highway patrol (Policia Federal de Caminos) have radar and enforce the posted speeds. In cities and on two-lane roads, the old Mexican rules of the road often still apply.
DRIVING IN MEXICO: LEFT TURNS
You cannot turn left on a green light in towns and cities. Most of the time, you must wait for a green arrow. The caveat “most of the time” is essential. Look at the traffic light. If four lights are on it, one is a left turn arrow. If there are only three, then there is no left turn arrow. One of the few tickets I got in Mexico was for not knowing this rule. I always look for those arrows today.
On the open road, you should not turn left onto a crossroad. Please be sure to look for a pullout on the right side of the highway. This is an often unmarked semicircle exit across from a crossroads that allows you to pull over and turn ninety degrees until you can drive straight across the highway you were on. It is very logical. Instead of a car coming to a stop on a busy road waiting to make a left turn, it pulls out of the flow of traffic and safely turns when the coast is clear.
LEFT TURN SIGNALS & SIDE-VIEW MIRRORS
Politeness takes strange forms. Have you ever been driving down a two-lane highway when a semi-truck before you puts on its left turn signal? You see no possible side road for him to turn onto, so you drive on, baffled. Be baffled no more, my friend. The driver is politely telling you that it is okay to pass him. Since he can see farther ahead than you, he’s helping you out. Should you take his advice? This is a tough one. Most of the time, I answer with a qualified “Yes.” Don’t abandon common sense, but pass carefully on a curvy mountain road.
Now, here is an even more dangerous situation. If you are driving down a highway and, being the polite gringo you are, you put on your left turn signal before passing the vehicle in front of you, think of the contradiction in cultures. You are in Mexico, and in Mexican driving tradition, you have just informed the driver behind you that all is clear ahead and have very graciously advised him to pass you. Oops!
This does not apply on toll roads, where international rules of the road apply. On the open road (meaning libre two-lane highways), a left turn signal invites the guy behind you to pass. Trucks and buses frequently turn their left blinker on to guide you around them. I trust them but use common sense. Sometimes, they have optimistic views of your acceleration capabilities. Don’t use your left turn signal on a two-lane road when you are about to pass. You might get hit. My advice — use your signals as you are used to on toll roads and in cities, but don’t expect the other guy to do the same.
CAN YOU TURN RIGHT ON RED?
After years of asking beat cops, my best answer for you is, “Probably.” Every cop has said, “Yes, in my town, but I don’t know about other towns.” The Highway Patrol won’t take a stand. I turn right on red. Or follow the local customs. It seems to work for me.
Right on red is usually OK, unless there is a sign saying that it is not. I have been told by many local people that it is legal. I have asked cops across the country and they have all said, “Yes, in my town. But every town is different.” I have been honked at by locals when I wait for a green light. Today I turn unless I see a cop, in which case I freeze. But that is just me. Maybe you did not live such a sordid past
MARKINGS AND LIGHTING
Road signs are present on most major roads in Mexico. However, driving at night or through provincial towns can be trickier since many aren’t lighted. Signs are only in Spanish and use the metric system, so you must understand these.
PEDESTRIAN BEHAVIOR
While Mexico has an excellent highway system, the presence of cyclists and pedestrians on free roads makes it more dangerous to drive. Most cyclists and pedestrians don’t wear any reflective clothing.
RV DRIVING IN MEXICO
Thanks to Mexico’s interstate toll road system, crossing the country in an RV isn’t much different than in America — although it’s costlier. There are plenty of RV parks on Mexico’s Pacific Coast and some on the Gulf Coast and Yucatan. Baja, Sonora, Jalisco – so many great places to drive your RV. Check out my Mexico RV page and guides index here.
DRIVING IN THE CITY
New Yorkers might feel at ease in Mexico City‘s noisy streets but should still focus on some key differences. In Mexico, one-way street markings tend to be 10 feet high and are only about 5 inches tall. The right-of-way is signaled using a green arrow, so streets going in the direction of the red arrow must yield. Intersections are tricky because, although left turns have 4-light traffic signals and left-turn lanes like in America, right turns on red are familiar even though they’re illegal.
HIGHWAY DRIVING
The most significant cause of road accidents among American tourists is the narrow roadways with almost no shoulders. Unlike American 4-lane roads with broad shoulders, in most Mexican roads (even toll roads), the pavement and the shoulder are separated by several inches, so if your right side wheels drop off the pavement, it will most likely send the vehicle rolling over.
SPEED BUMPS
Speed bumps are called topes in Mexico, and they are huge and everywhere. You’ll often see yellow signs with two black bumps warning that a tope lies ahead. Although, in rural areas, some can be hand-written by the same residents of the region.
MILITARY CHECKPOINTS AND BLOCKADES
The Mexican military often sets checkpoints on major highways, outside major cities, and near the border. Some are static, although many are set randomly. They’re no more than a nuisance but show how important it is always to carry your passport, visa, driving license, and proof of insurance with you. Blockades are a different animal. Check this article for more information on Mexico Road Blockades.
RURAL ROADS
On freeways and toll roads, driving is similar to driving in the USA. You’ll need to pass and pull over to the ample shoulders in an emergency. Speed limits are posted in kilometers per hour. Some police in Mexico, similar to those at home highway patrol (Policia Federal de Caminos) have radar and enforce the posted speeds.. Rural roads represent a unique experience to see the countryside, both in Mexico and the US. However, unlike in America, few roads running through Mexican ranchos have fences fitted on either side that would restrict the movement of cows, sheep, horses, and other animals, so keep in mind that you’re likely to have a close encounter with the four-legged type when driving through them. Driving in Mexico can seem daunting at first, but soon after you cross the border, you’ll realize that the similarities between both countries are more numerous than the differences. Nevertheless, understanding the local driving practices and conditions can save you a lot of trouble and ensure you only take good memories from your trip.
Night Driving in Mexico
Short version – Don’t. Don’t drive at night on the two-lane roads. There is a lot of loose livestock, and I have yet to see a cow equipped with tail lights. My tip for driving at night is: DON’T. On the toll roads (which are as good as or even better than those in the U.S. or Canada), I have relaxed my stance on night driving. So, if you are sticking to the toll roads, you could drive an hour or so after dark. However, although operating in Mexico is generally safe, remember that bad people like to move under the cover of darkness in any country. Also, the Green Angels are home in bed, so there is no help except for a kind passer-by. I have found folks to be a lot kinder in daylight hours. So, if you want to be an idiot and drive all day and night, go ahead. Please don’t hesitate to ask me if it is alright. It is not. It is loco.
CONCLUSION
These are the most critical quirks of driving in Mexico. Learn these, and you will have a safe trip. Most importantly, leave your aggressive driving habits at home. As one U.S. bus driver told me after a week in Mexico, “I was amazed at how courteous Mexican drivers are. They look out for each other. Of course, you see some SOBs, but fewer than back home. In general, Mexicans combine defensive and aggressive driving in a way that is not offensive.”The far left lane is for getting through without stopping. RV’s generally should stay one lane over but never in the far right lane, regardless of your political persuasion. Work your way to your exit long before you would in the States. Mexican highway signs will give you way too much warning (Exit is 3 light years ahead) or none (If you’re reading this, you missed your exit, my sad friend.)
Remember – you need vehicle insurance, and having health / medical air evac is pretty intelligent. Luckily, I have both!
Motorcyclists face a few additional challenges to safely driving their bikes in Mexico. While you may already do this in the USA or Canada, be extra cautious if it starts to rain on a Mexican highway. An extra layer of oil or diesel slick seems to be on the roads. The first ten to 20 minutes is the worst. Hole up under an overpass if you’re not near civilization (a term I use loosely when, like the Ancient Mariner, I am surrounded by “water, water everywhere.”
INSURANCE NOTE
Even if your US or Canadian insurance covers medical or theft of your car in Mexico, they cannot cover your liability. It needs to be recognized in Mexico. It is the law to carry liability insurance from a Mexican company at a minimum. Interestingly, Mexican companies are not allowed to sell directly in the United States because they are called “Non-Admitted.” Specially licensed U.S. brokers are called “specialty lines” or “surplus lines” brokers. Buying directly from the broker is the best way as it’s cheaper and the internet allows it. You can find many of their agents and affiliates, but you’ll pay more.
Granted, the fines are little for not having insurance, but do you want to give the police an excuse to hassle you? If you don’t believe me, ask your agent. If you have one of those companies that extends limited coverage in Mexico, you will at least need a liability-only Mexican car insurance policy. I am a fan of Mexico Insurance Services for their online system. Check out the video of how it works here.
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