Driving Tips in Mexico - Sixt Car Hire Magazine (2024)

FAQs

Do you need special insurance to drive in Mexico? ›

The only type of coverage you're legally required to have in Mexico is liability, and you'll need to get it through a specialized insurer.

The short answer to the titled question is yes, it is safe to drive in Mexico with US plates. No major issues will present themselves.

What is the safest route to drive through Mexico? The all-time favorite route among casual tourists and surfing enthusiasts is the Pacific Route. It has the following advantages: It's well-maintained and has good infrastructure.

In Mexico, right turns on red are generally allowed unless a sign indicates otherwise. Mexico City has implemented a new transit law which prohibits right turns on red.

Since most US auto insurers only insure rentals with US license plates, getting coverage through the Mexican rental agency is usually the only option. Renting a vehicle in the US and driving it into Mexico is a different story. Not all rental companies allow drivers to take their cars into Mexico.

Personal Liability Insurance, also referred to as Third-Party Insurance, is mandatory when renting a car in Mexico. You cannot rent a car without this coverage. Although this is the only obligatory type of insurance, it's not always enough. In fact, it's highly recommended to opt for additional coverage.

Even though you always have the right to remain silent, if you don't answer questions to establish your citizenship, officials may deny you entry to the U.S. or detain you for search and/or questioning. Agents may search any person, the inside of any vehicle, and all passenger belongings.

Mexico's hassle-free zone runs about 20-26 km (12 to 16 miles) from the Mexico border. It runs along the entire Baja peninsula and the western border of Sonora down to Empalme and as far in as highway 15, including the 16 miles between Imuris and Agua Prieta.

Roads in Mexico can be treacherous and are simply not held to the same maintenance standards as the United States and Canada. Unpredictable driving conditions and unmarked speed bumps can leave business travelers stranded with damage to vehicles.

How do I pay my road toll in Mexico? ›

Cash. You can pay tolls in cash, using Mexican pesos. Foreign currency is not accepted. Toll booths are ideal places to make change, if you need it.

If you get pulled over while driving in Mexico, remain calm and show your proof of insurance to the police officer, just like you would in the U.S. If you get a ticket, politely request a written citation that can be paid by mail or at the police station.

Driving on Mexico toll roads can be expensive as toll costs range from MX$ 25 to 150 MX$ (approximately US$ 2.50-15) for passenger cars. Use the Mexico Toll Calculator to calculate tolls and gasoline cost to drive across Mexico.

Your US auto insurance policy won't cover your car if you drive into Mexico. To have coverage while driving in Mexico, you need to buy a separate Mexico tourist auto policy.

While the way Mexican drivers operate on the roads may seem a bit extreme to U.S. citizens, they make perfect sense once you've got the hang of them, and as a result, large cities like Mexico City are no worse to drive around than Phoenix or Atlanta, at rush hour.

You can rent a car in Mexico with your U.S. or Canadian driver's license, but you can't drive in Mexico with car insurance that isn't from Mexico. You HAVE TO buy temporary auto insurance in Mexico if you want to drive any car in Mexico.