Thanks to illegal drug trafficking around cities and along the U.S. border, as well as riots in the state of Chiapas, you`ll find that „Mexican authorities” often include military troops, as well as the Federal Highway Patrol (Policia Federal de Caminos) and local police departments. With public safety as their main concern, they rigorously enforce traffic rules, so change your mocking paths before heading to Mexico! Be careful and reasonable behind the wheel, and everything should be fine. If you feel obligated by Federales, remember that Mexican law is Napoleonic – you will be presumed guilty until your innocence is proven, and the arresting officer is your prosecutor, judge, and jury. They could confiscate your car and put you in jail if you are uninsured, show an attitude or behave suspiciously. But don`t worry, your Mexican car insurance entitles you to a claims adjuster and lawyer, and the fees you pay on toll roads give you extra coverage. At the very least, you`ll have to prove your financial responsibility when you`re arrested, and business is often done locally. (Yes, your Mexican insurance and legal specialists will come to you.) Which means that leaving the scene of the accident really complicates your situation, so definitely don`t do it. Please read our page on how to report an auto insurance claim in Mexico. To support these efforts, WHO/PAHO also supported a number of social marketing campaigns and targeted training programmes for 67 prominent journalists. WHO/Europe, in collaboration with the government and civil society, provided technical and legal support to develop Mexico`s mobility plan for a new normal in 2020. The diffuse structure of the Mexican federal government made progress difficult. Speeding, alcohol restrictions and licensing laws were created at the sub-national level, with levels of government responsible for planning, designing and operating transportation systems that operate largely independently.
If you go to Mexico with the idea of fewer traffic rules and more flexible enforcement, you`ll be surprised. Between unexpected road conditions and a different legal philosophy, running a red light or exceeding the speed limit could become the adventure you`ll share at parties for years to come. The law clarifies roles and responsibilities within the Mexican government and calls for the creation of a unified database of licenses, license plates and fines. It contains most of WHO`s recommendations to promote the safe use of devices such as helmets, seat belts and child restraints and to reduce road users` exposure to major risk factors such as speeding, mobile phone use while driving and driving under the influence of alcohol. Yes, there are speed limits in Mexico and the police enforce them. They want to avoid any possibility of arrest. Even a speeding ticket can become problematic if other circumstances arise to make things worse. Speed limits are displayed. Gasoline is also cheaper in the state of Quintana Roo [Cancun – Riviera Maya] due to 5% less taxes. The new law on mobility and road safety calls for the introduction of the proven and life-saving „safe systems” approach, which is in line with the Global Action Plan for the Decade of Action for Road Safety. If you are transporting a gun or even a used bullet or cartridge to Mexico or inside Mexico and a Mexican official finds that, he will harass you a lot. All gas stations have attendants.
Every gas station we have been to has a small supermarket and you will usually find someone who speaks English if you need help or directions. Some gas stations are very popular with locals and are a kind of meeting place. Many hawkers await you at these stations. Sometimes there will be a pretty young girl who has a blind or crippled old lady who asks for money. Give them a few pesos that you can be sure will be used for the care and nutrition of their family, who may be struggling beyond your imagination. DO NOT trust the auto insurance offered by your credit card unless you have confirmed in writing that you are insured in Mexico. On Highway 307 along the coast, you will notice that in many places where there are 4 lanes [2 lanes in both directions], the highway changes from 2 lanes in your direction to 3 lanes or the highway changes from 1 lane to 2 lanes in your direction [if it is a 2-lane section]. To turn left onto the highway, take the right lane and stop. Cars will continue to pass you in the inner lane. When traffic is free, turn it off.
These are usually located at the entrance of resorts along the Riviera. Keep an eye out for vehicles without working brake lights and remember that many Mexican drivers don`t bother to use turn signals. Beware of poorly paved roads and, believe it or not, livestock. About 40% of road accidents in rural Mexico involve animals in the open air, which they mistake for cars and trucks. You can find more driving tips on our page on road safety in Mexico. WHO/PAHO has also engaged at a high level in advocacy and coordination to develop and implement the new law, working closely with influential Mexican senators and officials and ensuring coordination across the UN system at global, regional and country levels. „Officer, I have five hundred dollars in cash, but I really don`t want to leave your beautiful country.” When dealing with Mexican police, military or other officials, you remain calm and collected. Treat this person with the utmost respect. Be sincere and be prepared to follow all instructions and answer all questions.
Don`t be confrontational and don`t raise your voice. Always remain passive. You will not receive negligence if you are a tourist who does not know the law. If you`re renting a standard vehicle, be prepared to shift a lot of gears. If you are not in good shape, after a few days you will have pain in your arm and shoulder, so you may want to consider renting an automatic instead of a standard if you need a car for more than a day. As for real driving, if you have ever driven a car in Quebec, Canada, you will have no problem driving in Mexico. The majority of Mexicans do not accelerate, as even a minor traffic violation can lead to more problems with the police. You won`t find as many people driving like maniacs as you do in Canada. When purchasing insurance, your coverage SHOULD include claims adjusters who go to the scene of the accident and a lawyer.
You are not allowed to move your vehicle and the police can arrest you if someone is injured until a fault can be detected. Sometimes you have to pay at Pemex to use the bathroom. If you don`t have change, just walk past the companion, do your thing, and then walk out. If the companion says something to you, mumble and move on. No damage was caused. – A national police alcohol control program. In some small towns, there is a system of one-way streets that crisscross the city. NOTE: If you are driving on private land and encounter a cow/goat, you will have to pay the farmer for the animal.