Guide to Driving In Mexico - Drive Safe in Mexico

With our Drive Smart guide you're fully prepared to hire a car in Mexico and stay safe on unfamiliar roads.

URBAN SPEED LIMIT

30-70 kph

urban
More info  

RURAL SPEED LIMIT

90 kph

rural
More info  

motorway speed limit

100-120 kph

speed limit
More info  

Drink Drive Limit

 80mg

drink and drive limit
More info  
urban
You drive in Mexico on the Right side  
urban
The currency in Mexico is MXN/USD $
urban
To rent a car is  23 years and to drive is 18 years of age
urban
Current fuel price in Mexico 1.32 €/Ltr

Driving Laws in Mexico

Driving in Mexico
Pocket guide to driving in Mexico
Profile:
Mexico
Mexico City
MXN/USD $
Driving in Mexico
SPEED: (kph)
30-70
90
100-120
Speed limit in Mexico
Holiday:
Rush hour in Mexico
Cameras:
YES
YES
Speed cameras in Mexico
FUEL:
1.32
1.31
EUR/Litre
Fuel prices in Mexico
See Fuel Price in Mexico for full statistics
MIN AGE:
18
23
Min driving age in Mexico
DRINK:
80mg
Blood alcohol content
Drink driving in Mexico
EMERGENCY:
911/066
Emergency phone number in Mexico
DOCUMENT:
Driving documents in Mexico
PHONES:
Yes
Hands free only
Mobile phone driving in Mexico
SEATBELTS:
No
No
Seat belt in Mexico
See here for current child seats law in Mexico

Are there any special requirements for driving or hiring a car in Mexico?

Driving is on the right with overtaking on the left. Driving defensively is key, not just because other drivers are often reckless but the state of roads is often poor. Watch out for potholes and be careful if you are stuck behind slow moving vehicles. Although the temptation to overtake will be great, this is a major cause of accidents and many locals drive without insurance. You'll often find animals in the road - another reason to drive cautiously. Turning without indicating is a Mexican trait so watch out for it. You'll often find roadblocks manned by police or soldiers. Be respectful and you'll have no problems. Knowing some Spanish is very useful. Having a good map is also a must.

Mexico Boarder Controls

Rules of the road

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Emergency Services Numbers

Police Police: 066 or 911

Police Fire: 066 or 911

Police Ambulance: 066 or 911

Notes:

DieselUnleaded
Feb , 2024

€ 1.31

€ 1.32

Jan , 2024

€ 1.30

€ 1.31

Dec , 2023

€ 1.28

€ 1.29

Nov , 2023

€ 1.27

€ 1.29

Parking Information

Parking regulations

Parking regulations
 
Parking in general outside of the main cities is unregulated and you can park where you want. Be careful though for car crime is prevalent so park where your car is easily seen and where you can access it quickly and safely.
 
Paid parking
 
Some Mexicans have set up parking on waste land , charging a few pesos for you to park there. This may sound tempting but it's also tempting to thieves. Stick to proper parking garages or on street parking. You'll find meters in the city as well as ticket machines and covered, attendant controlled parking garages. For personal and vehicle safety it's always worth paying that little bit extra for safer parking. 
 
Enforcement
 
Enforcement of parking is haphazard and only generally enforced when you are causing an obstruction. In that case, you'll find you car has been towed and you'll have to pay a release fee as well as a fine.
 
Disabled parking
 
Mexico has no concessions for disabled drivers and so most of the time you'll just have to take your chances. Explaining your predicament to a garage attendant often results in a more convenient space in exchange for a few pesos.

Emergency Information

Emergency Information

Police Police: 066 or 911

Police Fire: 066 or 911

Police Ambulance: 066 or 911

The emergency services number is 911 for all services but you can call 066 for police, ambulance or fire.

What to do in an emergency

If you're involved in an accident, you need to call the police and ambulance if necessary. Don't move the vehicles unless they are causing a danger to others. Photograph the scene if possible and collect witness details. There is the potential that as a foreign driver you may be considered liable, especially if your Spanish is insufficient to get you out of trouble. Be polite to the emergency services attending.
If a mechanical issue or first aid is needed when on a toll road or major highway you can contact the green angels on 078 who will be able to help.

Handy Guides

World Driving Guides

Road Signs

Handy Phrases

  • Give way - Ceda el paso
  • Traffic lights - Semaforas
  • Right of way – Prioridad
  • Exit – Salida
  • Danger – Peligro
  • No parking - Prohibido aparcar
  • Slow – Despacio
  • Lane – Un carril
  • City centre – Centro ciudad
  • Carretera – Local Highway
  • Roadworks – Obras
  • Where is the nearest petrol station? – ¿Donde es la gasolinera la más cercana?
  • Excuse me, I’m lost – Por favor, estoy perdido…
  • Go straight on – ‘Siga todo recto’
  • Turn right – ‘Toma el giro a la derecha’
  • Turn left – ‘Toma el giro a la izquierda’
  • Detour - Desviacion
  • Toll Road – Carretera de Peaje
  • Road Closed – Cerrado.
  • Road Open – Abierto
  • Motorway – Una autopista
  • One way street – Direccíon unica
  • Dual Carriageway - Autovia

Mexico Fuel Price History

DieselUnleaded
Feb , 2024

€ 1.31

€ 1.32

Jan , 2024

€ 1.30

€ 1.31

Dec , 2023

€ 1.28

€ 1.29

Nov , 2023

€ 1.27

€ 1.29

Oct , 2023

€ 1.27

€ 1.29

Sep , 2023

€ 1.31

€ 1.33

Aug , 2023

€ 1.27

€ 1.30

Jul , 2023

€ 1.26

€ 1.29

Jun , 2023

€ 1.26

€ 1.29

May , 2023

€ 1.24

€ 1.27

Apr , 2023

€ 1.19

€ 1.21

Mar , 2023

€ 1.24

€ 1.26

Month, YearDiesel €/ltrUnleaded €/ltr
Feb , 2024 1.31 1.32
Jan , 2024 1.30 1.31
Dec , 2023 1.28 1.29
Nov , 2023 1.27 1.29
Oct , 2023 1.27 1.29
Sep , 2023 1.31 1.33
Aug , 2023 1.27 1.30
Jul , 2023 1.26 1.29
Jun , 2023 1.26 1.29
May , 2023 1.24 1.27
Apr , 2023 1.19 1.21
Mar , 2023 1.24 1.26

Hiring a Car

With our Drive Smart guide you're fully prepared to hire a car in Mexico and stay safe on unfamiliar roads.
Kellie Hodge
Posted by Kellie Hodge
About the Author -

Travel writer, customer service guru, Kellie knows the ins and outs of car rental and always happy to share her knowledge on our blog. Favourite country to visit: Spain.

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