Common terms for streets in Mexico

The most common term seen and used in Mexico is “calle” —street— with calle principal indicating a main route, usually crossing or connecting smaller streets adjacent.  The fancier avenida, or avenue, and even bulevar may also be employed when the need for distinction arises.

Camino, the equivalent of ‘road’ or ‘way’ in English, is less commonly seen and used in Mexico, and is a word that can also serve to describe a person’s journey: va en camino, he’s on his way—or distinctly, va por su camino which translates to ‘he’s making his own way (in life)’.

Callejón indicates a narrow road or alley, and retorno stipulates a dead-end or cul-de-sac, with the Spanish in this case more practical in letting the wanderer know there’s no point going there without a specific reason.  Retorno can also indicate a loop or opportunity to U-turn or double-back over a bridge or under a tunnel to cross-over to the other side of a road; on some roads it could also be a wide space within a camellón (median strip) reserved for that purpose.

Related to retorno is cerrada, which is oftentimes used to describe a private road with a dead-end; privada might also be used in this context.

Another term you’ll come across when driving in Mexico the word crucero which means junction.  Related to crucero is the word entronque, which means to connect, or merge.  Junctions are most often signed when they require additional precautions to be exercised, —for example, Entronque Peligroso— where a road merges with another on the left hand side of the adjoining highway (overtaking lane) instead of the (more-usual) merge lane on the right.

Freeways and tolled highways

Moving onto trunk roads, there are two ways of referring to a highway: carretera and autopista; and these are sometimes referred to (or signed on highways) as ‘Libre‘ (freeway) or ‘Cuota‘ (tollway), respectively.

Carretera is akin to the U.S. freeway and most often refers to the federally-funded interstate roads which connect main towns and cities, but may also refer to a primary trunk road around a town or city.  These are usually not tolled, and most are two-lane highways; some have stretches for overtaking slow vehicles.  You might see these signed as ‘Libre‘ on highways.

Autopista (and its related term, ‘cuota’) are words reserved to describe tolled interstate highways in Mexico—some of which run alongside, or nearby, carreteras federales. You might see these signed as ‘Cuota‘ on highways.

The toll fee is called peaje although tolled highways in Mexico are rarely if ever referred to using that word.

Streets alongside ocean scenes

Seaside resorts, and the roads or highways connecting them, have their costeras, or coast roads.  These describe streets or roads which can vary in size and importance, but which invariably run along the seafront.  Inside coastal towns alongside some costeras you may find el malecón—a pedestrian boardwalk or esplanade facing the waterfront, some of which might also include a lane for pedal-bikers, and those using skates and skateboards.

Miscellaneous street terms in Mexico

Some other related terms you may encounter in journey parlance here include:

• lateral, which refers to a parallel side road that may be situated alongside any main urban road, or carretera, or autopista, and separated by a camellón—a central reservation or median strip;
• libramientos, which can sometimes be part of a carretera or autopista refer to ‘relief roads,’ built specifically to route passing traffic away from, or around, a town or city center;
• periférico refers to a ring road (or beltway) around a town, city, or place;
• in Mexico City, the stretches of tolled elevated beltway raised primarily above the capital’s original beltway (anillo periferico) is colloquially referred to as El Segundo Piso.  You need a ‘Tag’ on your vehicle’s dashboard or windshield to use the electronically controlled gates which give drivers access to the tolled level of roadway;
• for those traveling on foot: footpaths, nature trails, and ancient pathways are commonly described as senderos, whereas formal pedestrian walkways, or shopping streets closed to traffic, are referred to as a paseo peatonal; and
• paseo that means a walk or a drive, and pasear means to go for a walk, or a ride, or a drive. The word pasear is somewhat more versatile than what the average dictionary can accommodate: it can also mean go out with no particular purpose or plan, maybe hang out at the mall, grab a coffee, browse the stores, watch a movie, or just wander about. It’s also used as a term to mean going away, being away, or having been away on vacation—voy/estoy/estuve de paseo.

Some people cross the border by road into Mexico for short periods —to work, do business, or to shop— while others will travel further into the country, traveling beyond the 35 km ‘free zone’.

US/Canadian insurance and third parties

Regardless of whether you stay in the ‘free zone’ or travel further into the Mexican interior, any coverage your US or Canadian insurance policy provides will not cover you for injury or damages your drive might cause to third parties.

They don’t because by law, they can’t: foreign insurance policies hold no legal jurisdiction in Mexico.

As a result, a brisk trade exists in the provision of specialized insurance policies to cover drivers, their vehicles, passengers, and property while the vehicle is in Mexico.

Insurance policies in English, valid in Mexico

These insurance policies are crafted in association with Mexican insurance companies, so the policy is presented in English, offered to customers with vehicles registered in the USA or Canada, and sold by insurance brokers who are licensed north of the border—but the insurance policy is underwritten by a licensed Mexican insurer, and thus legally valid in Mexico.

Driving uninsured in Mexico can lead to problematic situations arising in the event of a mishap. If you become involved in a serious car accident, all the drivers present will be arrested pending investigations, even those not at fault.

A complex legal process will ensue: if you are not adequately insured, you will have to raise your own bail bond and if you are judged to be at fault, you will become personally liable to third parties, including payment for any damaged road infrastructure.

Having an adequate insurance policy in place will settle your third party liabilities, and better policies will also provide legal counsel and bail bond payment as part of the coverages.

Online quotations, instant coverage

The process of choosing an insurance policy for driving in Mexico that suits your needs is made simple and straightforward by online quotation systems which capture key information about your vehicle and requirements, and provide a live price quote.  Insurance cover can be arranged instantly online and, in the event you need to make a claim, you will be able to dial a toll-free number and talk with English-speaking staff.

Learn more about driving in Mexico

Mexperience offers articles with insights to help you prepare for your road trip and drive confidently in Mexico.

• Importing a foreign car or other vehicle to Mexico
• Getting a Temporary Import Permit (TIP) for your vehicle
• Insuring your vehicle for driving in Mexico
• Your Mexico road trip checklist
• Latest articles about driving in Mexico
• Guide to auto insurance in Mexico

Auto insurance coverage valid in Mexico

Some auto insurance policies might contain wording that leads you to believe that you are covered in Mexico, but this out-of-country cover, if any is included, is limited to damage to your own vehicle and certain things you may be carrying inside your car.

The most important aspect of an auto insurance policy when you’re driving in Mexico is third-party liability, because claims for damages by third parties can be substantial.

Third party liability abroad needs a special policy

By law, US and Canadian insurers can’t provide third party liability and this coverage must be underwritten by a Mexican insurance company and be specially formed to be legally valid under Mexican law.

Third party liability covers any losses your actions might cause to others. These most commonly include (but are not limited to):

• damage to another person’s vehicle, or their property;
• injuries to another person in an accident; and
• damage to public property (e.g. road structures).

How much liability insurance is needed in Mexico?

While no one expects to be involved in an accident —and far less a serious one— when arranging coverage, it’s worth considering the worst-case scenario: that you accidentally cause serious injury or death of another person as a result of a vehicle accident.

Here in Mexico you can be made financially responsible to the other party (or their kin) if you unintentionally cause the death of another motorist, and reputable insurance brokers suggest that you have no less than US$300,000 in liability insurance and they will usually recommend US$500,000.

Get a policy covers more than just accidents

There are other factors besides financial liability to consider when you are arranging your auto insurance when you drive in Mexico.  The three most important aspects to consider when choosing a policy are:

Legal representation

If you’re involved in a serious road accident in Mexico, it’s common for those involved to be detained until the situation is assessed, fault is determined, and financial responsibility is assigned.

Due to this process, the legal representation which better policies offer will provide you with:

• local assistance to help you deal with the complex paperwork and procedures (in Spanish, and liaise with you in English);
• a fund to post a bail-bond and get you released as soon as practicable; and
• a legal team to negotiate on your behalf if fault and responsibility is assigned to you.

Medical coverage

If you or any of your vehicle’s occupants are injured in an accident, medical payments might or might not be covered. Medical coverage on auto policies vary and you’ll need to compare the choices to ensure you have an adequate amount of coverage, per person and in total.

Assistance for accidents and vehicle breakdowns

When an accident happens, what really matters is the practical support provided by an insurance policy.

If your vehicle breaks-down, or in the event of a minor accident which leaves your car damaged but readily repairable, a roadside travel assistance plan offered by the insurer can be an enormous benefit to you.

Roadside assistance can be purchased as part of an auto insurance policy and offers very practical help in what can be stressful and confusing circumstances.

• In the event of a breakdown or minor accident which leaves you stuck, help with things like gas delivery, a flat tire, a locksmith, or a tow truck to a nearby garage for essential repairs can be a phone call away.
• In the event of an accident, assistance can provide practical support and liaison with key personnel to help you recover more quickly and get back on your road trip as soon as practicable.

Learn more about driving in Mexico

Mexperience offers articles with insights to help you prepare for your road trip and drive confidently in Mexico.

• Insuring your vehicle for driving in Mexico
• Importing a foreign car or other vehicle to Mexico
• Getting a Temporary Import Permit (TIP) for your vehicle
• Your Mexico road trip checklist
• Latest articles about driving in Mexico
• Guide to auto insurance in Mexico

Taking a Mexican-plated car to the US & Canada

Foreign residents living in Mexico with Permanent Residency cannot keep a foreign-plated car in Mexico outside one of the designated free zones.

If you hold Permanent Residency in Mexico and live outside one of the free zones, you might own a Mexican-plated vehicle, and you might want to drive it to the USA or Canada on short visits—usually up to six months.

Your Mexican insurance policy probably covers damage to your own vehicle and loss of any personal items inside of it when the car is outside of Mexico (check the policy); however, it will not cover third party liabilities in the USA and Canada in the event of an accident. A special top-up insurance policy is needed.

Short-term third-party liability insurance

Policies for Mexican-plated vehicles driving into the USA and Canada can be purchased on a short-term basis only—you select the number of days you intend to visit the US/Canada as part of the quotation process.

The insurance policy will:

• Cover you in the event of an accident in the USA or Canada and provide third party liability coverage up to the value of the coverage stated on the policy.
• Provide a limited amount of coverage for medical expenses—sufficient to cover very minor incidents, but insufficient for a serious situation, so a separate medical coverage policy is recommended.
• Provide roadside assistance in the event of a vehicle breakdown while you’re outside of Mexico, and legal assistance—as described in the policy.
• You can optionally purchase other defined coverages in addition to those listed above for an extra fee.

These policies are not intended to provide comprehensive coverage but instead top-up your Mexican insurance to cover you for damages in the event of an accident or other incident involving third parties while you’re driving in the USA or Canada.

Learn more about driving in Mexico

Mexperience offers articles with insights to help you prepare for your road trip and drive confidently in Mexico.

• Your Mexico road trip checklist
• Who can drive a foreign-plated vehicle in Mexico
• Insuring your vehicle for driving in Mexico
• Importing a foreign car or other vehicle to Mexico
• Latest articles about driving in Mexico
• Guide to auto insurance in Mexico

Our auto insurance associate, MexPro, offers auto insurance backed by A-rated underwriters that provide adequate coverage and peace of mind for your road trips in Mexico—including all-important third party liability, and practical assistance services that support you in stressful situations.

Auto insurance that’s valid in Mexico

Some auto insurance policies might contain wording that leads you to believe that you are covered in Mexico, but this out-of-country cover, if any is included, is limited to damage to your own vehicle and certain things you may be carrying inside your car.

What MexPro auto insurance offers:

• Insurance from an established company specializing in Mexico auto policies underwritten by A-rated (financially sound) insurers.
• Coverage offered for Cars, SUVs, Pickups, Vans, Motorcycles, ATV/UTV, and Motorhome/RVs.
• Cover for towed units if needed.
• Choice of Liability Only and Full Coverage insurance packages to suit your needs and budget.
• Insure for a defined number of days, or choose a bi-annual or annual policy for multiple visits.
• Obtain cover for the physical damage and total theft of your vehicle, and get the all-important third-party liability—all with fixed deductibles.
• All policies include: Legal assistance (US$30,000 max); Medical expenses after an accident (US$25,000 max); Roadside Assistance and Travel Assistance.
• Trip interruption cover: Assistance to continue your trip if it’s interrupted by accident or total theft with return to place of residence; or car rental; plus lodging expenses.
• Policy wording in English with features and benefits you’re accustomed to and expect from an Insurance policy.
• Coverage terms are clearly provided by our associate, MexPro Insurance, when you get a no-obligation quote.

Do I need auto insurance for my road trip to Mexico?

Here are key points to consider when you intend to drive your car or other motorized vehicles to Mexico:

• You need to obtain an auto insurance policy that covers at least third-party liability in Mexico, because your US or Canadian policy, however comprehensive, cannot cover this.
• All MexPro’s plans cover third-party liability, and their full coverage policies will also cover physical damage and total theft of your vehicle while it’s in Mexico.
• Having roadside assistance will be invaluable if your vehicle breaks down or if you’re involved in an accident.  Legal assistance provides essential coverage while accident blame is assessed.
• Driving in Mexico uninsured is a risk, especially if you’re involved a serious accident—and whether or not the accident is your fault.
• Affordable policies are available to give you and your passengers peace of mind when you’re on the road in Mexico.

Consequences of driving uninsured in Mexico

If you become involved in a car accident in Mexico and you are not insured:

• you will become personally responsible for any damage to the third party’s vehicle (or vehicles, if it is determined that your actions were the cause of an incident involving several vehicles);
• the authorities will pursue you personally for costs related to the repair of the public highway; this includes things like road surface, barriers, signs, and lamp post repairs—and can get expensive;
• if someone is hurt or killed, all drivers will be arrested; if you are deemed to be responsible, third parties will pursue liability damages against you;
• the authorities may charge you with driving without third party insurance that is compulsory in Mexico.

What to look for in an auto insurance policy

Regardless of who you buy your auto insurance coverage from, you should check that your auto insurance policy includes these essential elements:

Financially sound insurance underwriter

Make sure that the insurance company underwriting your policy is financially sound. Policies from lesser-rated insurance companies might cost less, but that lower premium translates into a de facto higher-risk for the policy holders. Don’t just shop around for the cheapest policy—consider who’s insuring you to avoid surprises in the event that you need to make a claim.

Licensed broker

As all insurance policies are sold through brokers, ensure that the broker you engage with is licensed and that they provide full transparency of the policies they offer. You should be able to check the detailed terms and conditions of any policy before you are asked to buy.

Broker’s presence and infrastructure

Ensure that the broker you use is well established in the market.

‘Good infrastructure’ means that the broker has excellent customer services facilities, makes effective use of technology so that you can purchase your policy efficiently.

The policy ought to offer help and support services when you are in Mexico, in addition to the insurance coverage, to include local access numbers where you can call to make a claim, ask questions and report issues, and be able to talk to someone in English, especially if you don’t speak much (or any) Spanish.

Liability coverages, legal assistance, and bail bond

Ensure that any policy you purchase includes coverage for these three essential elements:

• Third party liability: the policy must cover third party liability, including your personal liability to any third parties.
• Legal assistance: good policies offer comprehensive legal assistance that will support you in the event of a serious accident or third-party claim.
• Bail bond: your coverage ought to include a ‘bail bond’ element that will cover payment of your bail bond if you become involved in a serious accident and are detained while the incident is investigated, and liability is assessed. If this process is protracted, the bail bond may get you released pending inquiries.

Local support when you need it most

In the event of an accident or incident and subsequent claim, the level of local support your broker’s insurer has in place in Mexico will make all the difference to you.

• The broker and their insurance company should provide easy access to local support services in Mexico so that in the event of a claim, you are able to call for help with the least amount of effort.
• They ought to offer support attended by an English-speaking service agent who will be able to manage your call efficiently and dispatch the help and support you need.
• The local support ought to coordinate all your needs including accident reporting, legal support, breakdown, and medical assistance (if you purchased these).

Breakdown and medical coverages

The better brokers will offer a comprehensive range of additional support services, which are optional, but are worth considering when you are driving in Mexico.  The two most important are:

Breakdown coverage

If your vehicle breaks down while you’re driving in Mexico, roadside recovery will provide you with the essential support you need to get your car repaired and mitigate risks of becoming stranded.

Roadside assistance may include things like delivery of emergency fuel, towing services, dealing with flat or damaged tires, locksmith support, jumpstart assistance, and provision of lodging and a rental car while you wait for your vehicle to be repaired, and repatriation to your home country in the event of a write-off.

Medical assistance on your road trip

A policy that provides medical coverage will provide round-the-clock medical assistance on your road trips, including in the event of a serious accident, land and air medical evacuation and coverages to support you and your travel companions, for example with accommodations and transport while you convalesce.

Making an auto insurance claim in Mexico

Your policy documentation should be clear about the procedure you need to undertake in the event of an accident or incident, and any subsequent claims.

Here is a summary of the most important points, which are relevant to terms on most Mexican auto insurance policies:

You must make the claim in Mexico

Some people wait until they get back to the US or Canada before making a claim, especially if it’s for something minor, for example, for bodywork or a hit-and-run incident in a parking lot. Insurance policies require you to make a claim while you are in Mexico and most will not process your claim if you wait until you return home, except in the most exceptional circumstances.

Calling the insurance helpline

The first call you make if you become involved in an accident should be to the insurance company’s helpline. In addition to registering your claim, they will be able to dispatch an insurance assessor to the scene of the accident, as well as plan for lawyers or other services to be put in place for you, in the event of a more serious accident.

They may also arrange for breakdown and medical services to attend the scene if you purchased these additional coverages, and they are required.

Paperwork and reimbursement

You may be asked to produce a police report as well as other relevant documentation as part of the claim procedure. In some cases, for example, for immediate repairs to get your vehicle back on the road, you may need to pay these out-of-pocket and get reimbursed when you return home.

Keep all receipts. Your insurance policy will be specific about what to do in these circumstances. In all cases, remember that you should lodge your claim in Mexico—don’t wait until you get back home.

Learn more about driving in Mexico

Mexperience offers guides and articles to help you prepare and drive confidently in Mexico

• Latest articles about driving in Mexico
• Your Mexico road trip checklist
• Dealing with minor and major road accidents
• Guide to driving in Mexico
• Guide to auto insurance in Mexico
• Get a quote for Mexico auto insurance

Driving in Mexico City and environs

If you plan to drive your car in (or even just through) Mexico City or the State of Mexico, the ‘Hoy No Circula’ program —that limits the number of vehicles allowed to drive on the road each day— requires you to consider your journey plans. If you regularly travel into or through the capital, you might need to get your vehicle’s emissions ‘verified’ at a special testing station to avoid restrictions.  Learn more on our article about Mexico’s Hoy No Circula vehicle restriction program.

Road quality and markings

The quality and state of repair of roads varies widely in Mexico.

Road conditions

Smaller and fringe roads can be under-developed or in disrepair. Watch out for pot-holes—some are bad enough that they will wreck your suspension and can leave you needing a new tire or wheel. Sometimes they are marked with a cone (or a rock painted white is also common), but sometimes they are just there and may be hard to see, especially at night.

Road markings and street lighting

Road markings may not be present. This makes driving tricky on remote dark highways or inside unlit provincial towns when you can’t see where the road edge ends. Road signs may not be lit up, and reflectors (“cat’s eyes”) are rare except on toll roads. If you’re traveling by car at night, it’s best to stay on a main highway (toll roads are best) or be in an area you know.  See the ‘night driving’ section of this chapter for more details.

Local driving habits

Driving standards vary immensely; most non-commercial drivers in Mexico have little or no formal driver training.  Drivers may not use their indicators nor be too amenable when it comes to letting other drivers into a line of traffic from a side road—even if the line isn’t going anywhere.  You can get some insights into driving habits by reading a couple of articles by Foreign Native: Driving the Mexico City way and Road rage review.

Vehicle conditions

The vehicles you are sharing road space with may be in a higher state of disrepair than you might be used to in your home country, for example:

• Bald tires: On dry ground these are less dangerous, but in the wet they offer little resistance to skidding and severely lengthen braking distances.  Be mindful of vehicles you pass or drive nearby that have balding tires, especially in wet road conditions, and/or when traveling at speed as bald tires are susceptible to sudden rupture and uncontrollable skidding.
• Absence of head lights or taillights, and malfunctioning break lights: Most drivers are conditioned to respond only to taillights; it’s good practice to observe the vehicle itself and create plenty of open space between your vehicle and the one traveling in front of yours.
• Brakes and breakdowns: Poorly maintained vehicles may be slower in breaking and may experience sudden malfunctions that cause them to conk out suddenly.  Creating plenty of space between your vehicle and the vehicle in front —especially when travelling at speed— is an effective way to mitigate against the potential hazards posed by matters beyond your immediate control.

Notorious speed bumps, ‘Topes’

The word “topes” is Mexican Spanish for speed bumps, and they are a common feature on all Mexican roads in urban areas, and on federal highways (freeways) as they pass through small towns and villages.

Here are some insights and tips about topes as you drive along Mexico’s roads:

• some topes are worn out and behave like bumps in the road that you don’t notice anymore; and
• some are like brick walls that will visit considerable damage to your vehicle if you go over them at speed;
• if you’re renting a car, be especially aware of speed bumps as rental companies regularly check under the car for speed bump damage and will charge you for that;
• slow right down at all bumps and keep your speed down in urban and residential areas;
• topes are not installed on toll roads except near the toll booths and dangerous curves where ‘vibration’ topes are installed to alert the driver to slow down as the vehicle approaches the toll gate, or to force the vehicle to slow down on treacherous stretches or road bends;
• most topes are not signposted, and many are not marked out or painted, either;
• at night they can be effectively invisible.

Animals and cattle on the roads

Another important consideration when driving, day and night, is the presence of cattle and animals wandering into the roads.

Most highways (especially federal freeways) in Mexico do not have fences fitted either side of them where they cross ranches, farms, or areas where animals are left to graze alone. It’s therefore common for cows, sheep, chickens, dogs, and other animals to wander aimlessly into the middle of the road, irrespective of what may be traveling towards them.

Not only does this present a danger to your own vehicle (hitting a cow can cause severe damage to your car), but the event could also be a catalyst for a bigger accident involving several other cars; furthermore, the cattle or animal owners might appear and make a claim on you for lost livestock—and they tend to factor in potential ‘lost offspring’ to the claim amount!

Toll roads rarely have domestic animals or cattle wandering onto the highways, although it’s possible that it might happen, and in some areas wild animals and snakes might find their way onto the road, so be mindful of wildlife, even on tolled interstate highways.

Be extra vigilant of your surroundings especially as you pass through small towns and villages on free highways, or local link roads connecting highways, and as you drive alongside fields that have cattle or other animals grazing there.

Cyclists and pedestrians

Practice additional care and attention for cyclists and pedestrians when you’re driving in Mexico, whether you are in an urban area, a freeway, or a toll-road.

• Be vigilant for cyclists, especially at night: most won’t have lights fitted to their bikes and many cyclists don’t wear reflective clothing: in these cases the cyclists will be near-invisible until you come close to them. Cyclists use freeways (and link roads connecting freeways) and occasionally you might see a cyclist on a toll road. Give cyclists plenty of room as you pass them.
• In rural areas, and in small towns and villages, many locals walk home from work along the edge of local roads, freeways, and libramientos when there are no sidewalks. They may not be walking towards you, and most won’t be wearing anything bright and far less likely to be wearing reflective clothing.
• Slow down and give pedestrians plenty of room as you pass them.  Also look out for pedestrians crossing busy roads of highways that split two sides of an urbanized area; pedestrian bridges are sometimes present but may not often be used, so don’t presume the pedestrians will be using them.

Night driving hazards

Driving at night in Mexico requires some additional precautions, especially if you’re only accustomed to night driving in the US or Canada.  Here are the key points to note when driving at night in Mexico

Road quality and markings

The physical state of roads varies in Mexico, and not all roads —even some major roads— are well marked and signed.  The surfaces of the roads may be worn, roads may not have lanes and/or edge limit markers painted on them, reflectors are uncommon on roads except for tolled highways, and signage may be absent or unlit.  Slow down on dimly lit or poorly marked out roads, especially in the rain.

Lack of lighting

Some of Mexico’s roads, even tolled roads, cross vast expanses of rugged and remote territory making it impractical to light up.  At night, in the absence of any nearby towns or villages (that give off light) and especially around the time of a New Moon, these areas can become especially difficult to navigate, and particularly so if you are on a non-tolled road that is poorly marked out.  If you intend to drive overnight across rural or remote areas, ensure that your vehicle’s own lighting and mechanical systems are in excellent condition.

Night driving safety

We recommend that you drive only during daylight hours wherever possible—especially on longer road trips that traverse remote regions of Mexico.  If you must drive overnight, we recommend you use toll roads, ensure that your vehicle’s mechanical and lighting systems are in excellent condition, and have plenty of fuel in your vehicle for your intended journey.  Be especially vigilant for hazards (see above) including pedestrians, cyclists, and animals wandering on to the road.

Beware of GPS reroutes

Most drivers rely on GPS systems using Google Maps or some other electronic mapping app (Wayz is popular) to navigate road trips in Mexico.

In heavy traffic, or traffic jams, GPS systems might suggest a reroute to avoid the congestion.  Take care with these, especially at night—some ‘reroutes’ might lead you into unsafe areas or dangerous neighborhoods, especially in bigger cities.

If you’re unfamiliar with the area, it’s better to wait out a traffic jam than take a ‘back route’ offered by a routing system leading into insalubrious areas that could pose a security risk to you and your vehicle.

Free guides to Driving in Mexico

For a complete reference guide to driving and road trips in Mexico, read our guides to Driving and Road Trips in Mexico.

Learn more about driving in Mexico

Mexperience offers articles with insights to help you prepare for your road trip and drive confidently in Mexico.

• Insuring your vehicle for driving in Mexico
• Importing a foreign car or other vehicle to Mexico
• Getting a Temporary Import Permit (TIP) for your vehicle
• Your Mexico road trip checklist
• Latest articles about driving in Mexico
• Guide to auto insurance in Mexico

Detailed guides and articles about driving & taking road trips in Mexico

Guide to Driving and Road Trips in Mexico

The experience of driving in Mexico is captivating and rewarding. Driving your own vehicle across Mexico’s extensive and well-developed road network provides an ideal way for you to explore these diverse lands and become acquainted with the local topography, the regions, the culture, and the local people in ways that no other means of transport can match.

A safe and enjoyable road trip across Mexico, whether you come for leisure, for work, or to travel from and to your home here, requires some forethought, planning, and preparation.

Driving insights and practical handbook for drivers

Our guides and articles constitute a practical handbook for anyone who intends to drive in Mexico, whether you bring your foreign-plated car on a road trip, rent a car locally, or live here and own a car.

It’s packed with local knowledge and advice that helps you prepare for your road trips:

• when you’re bringing your foreign-plated car to Mexico, whether it’s for regular short trips across the border, for longer road trips, to live here part time, or full time;
• when you plan to drive extensively in Mexico, whether you’re coming for an extended road trip or you plan to live in Mexico and drive regularly here in a Mexican-plated vehicle;
• for trip planning and safety, this guide offers practical advice and local knowledge for anyone who is driving in Mexico, whether you have a foreign-plated car, a Mexican-plated car, or if you plan to rent a car in Mexico;
• to learn about dealing with breakdowns, accidents, and insurance claims, this guide offers comprehensive advice and guidance in case your vehicle breaks down, you’re involved in an accident, and arranging adequate insurance coverages for your vehicle and trip.

Comprehensive guide about driving and taking road trips in Mexico

Our detailed and continually updated guides help you to plan and prepare for your road trip, and drive confidently and safely with peace of mind when you’re on the road in Mexico.

Detailed insights about driving in Mexico

Our continually updated detailed guides and articles include:

Bringing a foreign-plated car to Mexico

Find out how to bring your US- or Canadian-plated car across the border, including FAQs about bringing your car to and detailed guide to temporarily importing your vehicle to Mexico, and what you need to do when you drive your foreign-plated vehicle out of Mexico.

Mexico’s tolled roads

Learn about how Mexico’s extensive network of toll roads can be accessed, including Mexico City’s elevated beltway, and explore whether a toll road or freeway is a better choice for your journey.

Practical and safety tips for driving in Mexico

Our guides and articles share practical matters of driving in Mexico and get tips and guidance to stay safe and mitigate risks, including the rules for driving foreign-plated cars in Mexico, getting acquainted with common words you’ll see in Spanish as you drive, and practical matters for road users in Mexico.

Insights for the road ahead

Our guides also share insights to help you on your journey including a road trip checklist, using gasoline service stations in Mexico, how to manage at military checkpoints, and driving restrictions in and around Mexico City depending on your vehicle.

Vehicle security in Mexico

Read out guide with tips and advice for keeping your vehicle safe and secure while driving in Mexico.

Dealing with vehicle breakdowns in Mexico

Read practical advice and insights about dealing with mechanical breakdowns when you’re in Mexico.

Dealing with road traffic accidents in Mexico

find out what the procedures are if you become involved in a minor or major road accident in Mexico.

Vehicle insurance for your Mexico road trip

We publish extensive information help you understand how vehicle insurance works and how to get peace of mind with adequate auto insurance, breakdown, and medical coverages when you’re driving in Mexico.

Continually updated articles

Connect to our sections about driving in Mexico and auto insurance in Mexico for regularly-updated information about driving and road trips in Mexico.

Summary of Mexico’s vehicle import rules

Here is a summary of the current rules.  Details about these rules are described below and on our related article about import permits.

• Foreign-plated vehicles can be brought to Mexico without an import permit, provided they remain within the 25km (15 mile) border zone and/or within one of the defined border area Free Zones.
• Foreign-plated vehicles can be driven beyond the 25km border zone and outside of the defined Free Zones by visitors and temporary residents for a defined period by using a Temporary Import Permit (TIP) that is associated with the vehicle.  The vehicle must be driven out of Mexico before this permit expires.
• Foreign-plated vehicles that stay within one of the defined ‘Free Zones’ near the northern and southern border areas do not need a TIP and can be brought to Mexico indefinitely—provided the vehicle remains legally registered in its home country.
• Permanent residents cannot apply for a TIP, and cannot bring a foreign-plated car to Mexico, except within the Free Zone, where a TIP is not required.

Obtaining a Temporary Import Permit (TIP)

If you intend to drive your vehicle beyond the 25km border zone (checkpoints exist), or anywhere outside of a defined Free Zone (see below), you must obtain a TIP before you cross into Mexico: they are not available anywhere inside Mexico, nor at Mexico’s interior checkpoints.

The defined Free Zones are:

• the entire Baja California peninsula; and
• a defined area in the state of Sonora; and
• the state of Quintana Roo.

If you drive your vehicle outside of one of the defined Free Zones without a TIP, the vehicle will become subject to confiscation.

Temporary Import Permits: Learn more about Temporary Import Permits for foreign-plated vehicles in Mexico.  They are acquired via the Banjercito website.

Visitors entering Mexico using FMM (Visitor Permit)

If you are visiting Mexico on a tourist/visitor permit, you can import your foreign-plated vehicle to Mexico using a Temporary Import Permit (TIP).

Your vehicle permit when you enter as a visitor will last for a maximum of 180 days and cannot be renewed or extended beyond this time period.

You must export the vehicle (drive it out of Mexico) before the vehicle’s temporary import permit expires. If you don’t, you’ll lose your deposit and your vehicle becomes liable to confiscation.

Entering Mexico with a Residente Temporal permit

Holders of Residente Temporal (with or without work privileges) and Residente Temporal Estudiante may import their car to Mexico using a Temporary Import Permit (TIP).

The vehicle’s permit expiry date will be aligned with your temporary residency card expiry date.  If you bring your vehicle to Mexico using a temporary residency sticker, your vehicle import permit will last for only 30 days and you’ll need to visit the local customs office when you get your residency card.  See the TIP FAQs for more details about this.

You must export the vehicle (drive it out of Mexico) before the vehicle’s temporary import permit expires. If you don’t, you’ll lose your deposit and your vehicle becomes liable to confiscation.

Learn more about routes to residency in Mexico.

Entering Mexico with a Residente Permanente permit

Residente Permanente visa or card holders are not allowed apply for a TIP, but can drive a foreign-plated car to Mexico without a TIP provided that the vehicle remains in one of the defined Free Zones.

If you are the holder of a Residente Permanente permit and want to bring your car to Mexico and drive it outside one of the defined Free Zones, you can go through a process to permanently import the car (get Mexican plates for it). If you want to formally import your car, we recommend you hire a Customs Broker to do this. (The import rules are complex and depend on the vehicle type, where it was manufactured, its age, etc.)

Foreign residents with Permanent Residency and foreign-plated cars in Mexico

Foreign residents with Residente Permante cannot keep a foreign plated car in Mexico outside of the defined Free Zones.  If you:

• have a foreign-plated car in Mexico now; and
• live and/or drive the car outside one of the defined Free Zones (see previous section); and
• change your immigration status from Residente Temporal to Residente Permanente; then
• you will need to make a choice about what do to with your foreign-plated vehicle, for example:

Export the car permanently – Take the car out of Mexico (crossing the border into the US or Belize) – see also “Safe Return” procedure, below.

Export and then re-import the car using a Customs Broker – If you exchange your temporary residency for permanent residency, and want to keep your current (foreign plated) vehicle for use in Mexico, you will need to drive the car out of Mexico (see “safe return” procedure, below), and then formally re-import it. There is a process to legally import a car by paying the relevant duties and import taxes and getting Mexican plates for the vehicle.  You’ll need a Customs Broker to assist you with this process.

Export the car and sell it to a person with a Residente Temporal permit – If you know a foreigner with a Residente Temporal permit who wants to buy your car, you can export it, sell it to them, and they can re-import it using their Residente Temporal permit.  Note that the car must be exported to make this transfer, it cannot be done within Mexico.

Export the car by sea – In some circumstances, export of your car on a sea vessel might be a viable option. You’ll need a customs broker to help you with the process. As a rule of thumb, shipping fees to the US range from $1,000-$1,500, which might be worth it if your vehicle is particularly valuable.

‘Safe Return’ Procedure: If your vehicle is currently “illegal” (or will become illegal when you switch from Residente Temporal to Residente Permanente), and you want to take the car out of the country, you can apply for a “Retorno Seguro” permit from SAT, which gives you five days to drive the car out of the country (to the USA or to Belize).

Defined ‘Free Zone’ rules for Sonora, the Baja California peninsula, and the state of Quintana Roo

Sonora: There is no need to apply for a Temporary Import Permit (TIP) if you plan to use your vehicle within the State of Sonora’s “Free Zone” which includes the popular cities of Agua Prieta, Bahia de Kino, Caborca, Guaymas, Hermosillo, Magdalena, Nogales, Puerto Peñasco, San Carlos, and Santa Ana (green area on map, click/tap here for full size version). If you plan to travel outside of the Free Zone and remain within the state you can get a “Sonora Only” permit.  If you intend to drive the vehicle beyond the free zone / Sonora state you will need to apply for a TIP.

Baja Peninsula: Foreign-plated vehicles driven into the states of Baja California and Baja California Sur do not require a Temporary Import Permit (TIP).  However, your US or Canadian car plates must be valid and any stickers must be kept current while the vehicle is on the Baja peninsula. If you take your car from La Paz to the Mexican mainland (by ferry) you will become subject to the car import rules described above.

Qunitana Roo: If you’re driving from Belize into Mexico and remain within the state boundary of Quintana Roo, you do not need to obtain Temporary Import Permit (TIP). However, if you plan to drive anywhere outside of the state, it’s important to have a valid TIP to avoid problems and possible confiscation of your vehicle.

Entry and exit ports

When your foreign-plated vehicle has a TIP, you don’t necessarily have to exit Mexico through the same port that you entered.  For example, you can import the car at the US border and export it through Belize, or you could enter through Nogales and exit through Laredo, etc.

Lost, stolen, or abandoned foreign-plated vehicles

If you abandon your foreign-plated car in Mexico, you’ll have to pay Aduana (Mexican Customs) 40% tax on the car’s value. This rule was brought-in some while ago to discourage foreigners from abandoning or selling their foreign-plated cars and telling Mexican Customs they were lost or stolen.

There is an established process in place that prevents someone who has legitimately had their vehicle stolen (or suffered total loss of the vehicle in an accident) from having to pay the fee. Proper documentation will be required to get the TIP cancelled, so a police report has to be filed, plus special forms have to be filed with the Mexican Customs office, and the hired services of a Mexican Notary Public will be needed to formalize all the paperwork to cancel the TIP of a stolen car.  While the authorities cannot prevent you from leaving if you don’t pay the tax, failure to do so will forfeit your rights to import any other foreign-plated vehicle to Mexico in future.

Donating your vehicle to Mexican Customs

If you want to dispose of your car, there is a procedure whereby you can “donate” it to Mexican Customs; you can find more information about that here on the Mexican SAT web site.

Learn more about driving in Mexico

Mexperience offers articles with insights to help you prepare for your road trip and drive confidently in Mexico.

• Getting a Temporary Import Permit (TIP) for your vehicle
• Insuring your vehicle for driving in Mexico
• Your Mexico road trip checklist
• Dealing with minor and major road accidents
• Latest articles about driving in Mexico
• Guide to auto insurance in Mexico

Who is allowed to drive a foreign-plated vehicle in Mexico?

All drivers must have a current driving license* and must have permission from the owner to drive the vehicle if it does not belong to them.

The rules for driving a foreign-plated vehicle in Mexico are based on:

• whether you are a visitor to Mexico, a temporary or permanent resident in Mexico, or a Mexican national; and/or
• whether you are the owner, or closely related to the owner, of the vehicle you intend to drive; and/or
• whether you are driving the vehicle inside a defined Free Zone or outside a Free Zone.

* If your driving license is from abroad and is not issued in English, we recommend you bring an International Driving License (IDL) to accompany it.  Some people with driving licenses issued in English also bring an IDL.

Summary of the rules

Other than a restriction on foreign permanent residents driving vehicles outside of a Free Zone, foreign residents are allowed drive foreign-plated vehicles in Mexico.  The table below summarizes the rules.

Mexican nationals driving foreign-plated cars in Mexico

Special rules apply for Mexican nationals driving foreign-plated vehicles in Mexico and these special rules apply even inside the Free Zones.

If the Mexican national is not the owner of the foreign-plated vehicle, the vehicle’s owner must be aboard the vehicle the Mexican national is driving, whether the vehicle is inside or outside of a Free Zone.

Keep this rule in mind if you are a visitor, temporary or permanent resident with a foreign-plated vehicle in Mexico.

Mexican nationals who want to temporarily import (TIP) their foreign-plated cars to Mexico can find details about how to do that on this site.

Learn more about driving in Mexico

Mexperience offers articles with insights to help you prepare for your road trip and drive confidently in Mexico.

• Importing a foreign car or other vehicle to Mexico
• Getting a Temporary Import Permit (TIP) for your vehicle
• Insuring your vehicle for driving in Mexico
• Your Mexico road trip checklist
• Latest articles about driving in Mexico
• Guide to auto insurance in Mexico

As you make plans for your road trip in Mexico, this article provides you with a checklist of insights, local knowledge and practical tips to help you properly plan and enjoy your journey across Mexico.

Insights about driving in Mexico

Our guides to Driving in Mexico and Auto Insurance for your journeys provide you with a raft of local knowledge and tips to help you get acquainted with the driving scene here including driving techniques, toll roads, breakdowns, military checkpoints, as well as dealing with accidents and insurance claims.

Bringing your car to Mexico

You need to organize some paperwork when you plan to drive your US or Canadian-plated car to Mexico:

• How to bring a foreign-plated car to Mexico
• Acquiring a Temporary Import Permit for your foreign-plated car

Auto insurance for your road trip in Mexico

Your US or Canadian auto insurance policy won’t cover you for third party liability in Mexico.  You need to purchase a special policy to ensure your journey is properly covered and that you, your car and belongings are protected in case of an accident or other mishap:

• Learn about auto insurance for road trips across Mexico
• Get an online quote for Mexico auto insurance with MexPro

Helpful articles

For additional insights about driving in Mexico, connect to these additional articles and resources here in Mexperience

• Guide to Mexican Street Speak
• Military checkpoints in Mexico
• Dealing with car accidents in Mexico
• Toll road or freeway?

Can I cancel my US or Canadian auto insurance while I’m in Mexico?

Some people who drive their foreign-plated cars to Mexico and intend to stay for extended periods —or  live here for part of the year— ask us if they are able to cancel their US or Canadian insurance policy while their Mexican auto insurance policy is in force.

The answer is that you need to keep enough insurance coverage in place to maintain the vehicle’s legal registration in your home country.

For example, most US states require that you keep a policy in force that provides at least third-party liability coverage for the vehicle.  If you completely cancel your US insurance policy, most US states’ motor vehicle departments will automatically cancel the car registration, making the vehicle unregistered, and therefore illegal to drive in any country.

When you purchase Mexico auto insurance through our partner MexPro, the insurance remains valid for so long as the vehicle remains legal to drive—and this is true for other insurers, too.

Adjusting insurance coverage as you travel and back forth between Mexico, the US and Canada

Most people who intend to stay in Mexico longer term adjust their auto insurance coverage plan to maintain the minimum legal coverage requirements while the vehicle is situated in Mexico. (Precise requirements vary – check with the state your vehicle is registered with.) Then, whenever they drive back to the US or Canada, they call their agent and add the collision and comprehensive coverages back onto their home policy. So by working with your US or Canadian car insurance agent, you can reduce/increase the coverage limits as needed and end up paying less, while still maintaining insurance and keeping the vehicle registered/legal.

For full details about how to be properly covered on your next road trip in Mexico, connect to our Mexico Auto Insurance Guide, from which you can also link to live quotes and arrange your cover online through our partners, MexPro.

Learn more about driving in Mexico

Mexperience offers articles with insights to help you prepare for your road trip and drive confidently in Mexico.

• Insuring your vehicle for driving in Mexico
• Importing a foreign car or other vehicle to Mexico
• Getting a Temporary Import Permit (TIP) for your vehicle
• Your Mexico road trip checklist
• Latest articles about driving in Mexico
• Guide to auto insurance in Mexico