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Driving in Mexico

The Mexican government has been hard at work for more than a decade now improving its transportation infrastructure. A new system of interstates and highways is rapidly replacing the old, single-lane carriage lanes, so you'll find the driving a lot easier than you might expect.

Before You Go

Time to get your ducks in a row. Like any trip abroad, it's important to line up the appropriate forms of documentation and insurance before you start traveling.

• Check with the U.S. State Department for the latest travel advisories about Mexico. If there's been a flood in Tabasco, or a rash of kidnappings on the highways outside Mexico City, this is the place to find out.

• Investigate your domestic insurance policies and arrange for supplemental policies adequate for your trip. Keep reading below for more details.

• Get ready to prove who you are, and that you own your car. As of January 31, 2008, the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) effectively removed your ability to orally declare citizenship at the border. You'll need approved documentation to make the cross.

Documentation

To cross the border into Mexico, you will need:

• Proof of identity. Common forms include passport books, passport cards, and driver licenses.

• Travel visa or tourist card. These are available at the cross station and can be filled out as you cross.

• Proof that you own your vehicle. Common forms include your title, registration, or car rental statements.

• Temporary automobile permit. This is issued at the border station once you've established ownership.

If the owner of the vehicle is not crossing the border with you, make sure to bring written documentation that he or she authorizes your use of the vehicle with the specific dates of travel listed in the letter.

To cross back into the U.S., you will need one of the following documents:

• U.S. Passport

• U.S. Passport Card. This is a new option available for border communities that cross with some frequency. The card is less expensive and more portable than the traditional passport book, so read our article to see if this works for you.

• Enhanced Driver License. Again, this a new option for crossing by land or sea, so check our article on the topic and see if it's a good match for you.

• Trusted Traveler Program Card. Only the SENTRI card works for travel between Mexico and the U.S. It provides a means to speed up the border-crossing process, and is only available to low-risk travelers.

However, some groups of travelers―such as children or cruise ship passengers―may face less restrictive conditions. See the U.S. Customs and Border Protection(CBP) site for more details.

Insurance

Health Insurance

Mexico does not recognize reciprocal health benefits with any other countries. Travelers from certain European nations might be shocked to discover that they can't walk into a hospital and receive full medical care, but Americans should know the drill. The care is there for you, after you demonstrate proof of insurance or your ability to pay outright for the services and medications.

Make some phone calls and figure out where you stand before hitting the road. Many U.S. insurers will provide coverage for tourists, but the levels of coverage may be reduced or abbreviated. Top-up plans with supplemental benefits are available for travel to Mexico, and many experts will recommend these to you, with levels of coverage for medical expenses in the $5 million range. If something terrible happens while you're driving in Mexico, the costs of repatriation alone can be staggering, so consider a supplemental policy.

Ask your insurer for direct phone numbers to English speakers, available 24 hours per day, seven days a week. The last thing you'll need during an emergency is the frustration of an endless automated phone system, or local operators who don't speak your language.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is a great option if you need more personalized assistance with car rentals, or protection from theft and severe travel delays. Many travel policies carry personal liability coverage, and offer special riders for high-risk activities and adventure sports.

Car Insurance

You're probably not covered by your current insurance policy to drive in Mexico. Once you cross the border, you're on your own.

By law, you will need to obtain Mexican car insurance to legally drive the country's roadways or rent a car. As with any purchasing decision, don't wait until the last minute and don't back yourself into a corner. Plenty of operators will sell you a policy in a pinch, but start with the names you trust and investigate your options. Some U.S. insurance companies will offer insurance coverage into Mexico.

Crossing the Border

CBP offers real-time information about wait times at border crossings into Mexico and Canada. This is especially useful for commercial drivers, but worth checking for any passenger vehicle about to head for the border.

You are required to declare with CBP anything you acquire in Mexico, with an exemption for up to $800 in personal articles. There are special limitations on alcohol and cigarettes, and, of course, outright prohibitions on firearms, endangered animals, fruits and meats. It's also wise to clear any personal medications ahead of time. Contact the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Division of Import Operations and Policy, with specific questions at (301) 443-6553.

On the Road

Renting a Car

To rent a car in Mexico:

• You must be at least 25 years old.

• You need a valid driver license. International Driver Permits are not required.

• You need to supply a credit card for payment.

• Make sure to check insurance levels for full comprehensive coverage. Ask if you don't understand any of the provisions.

Driving Your Own Car

• You'll need a temporary import permit. These are available in advance from the Mexican consulate, or various Mexican government offices in the U.S. You can also obtain the permit at the border after presenting proof of ownership, a stamped tourist card, and paying a small fee. You and your car will also need to stop about 10 miles into the interior for an inspection at a federal inspection point.

Tolls

Mexico's new interstates are rife with tolls, so bring plenty of pesos. You pay as you go, with booths every so often along the interstate. Credit and debit cards are sometimes accepted, but don't count on it, and keep all of your receipts. If you're ever in an accident, the receipt provides insurance that exempts you from having to pay for damages to the roadway.

Some Rules of the Road

Read more about safety tips for American travelers, and always carry your license, identification, proof of insurance and vehicle registration with you whenever you get behind the wheel.

It's Mexico, not Europe, so traffic systems will look very familiar. As in the U.S., you drive on the right. That's just about where the similarities end though, so be prepared for some of Mexico's unique transportation challenges:

• Locals rarely use blinkers. Don't expect advance notice before that truck up ahead makes a sudden turn.

• Locals are not always receptive to merging in a stacked queue. Get in the correct lane early and stay there.

• Many vehicles in Mexico, especially in rural areas, are in much worse condition than what you're used to seeing on U.S. roads. Give them a wide berth and don't judge.

• Watch out for speed bumps, or "topes." They're everywhere.

• Watch out for potholes. Sometimes they've marked with a traffic cone, or a rock painted white.

• Be careful at night. Cattle crossings are common, and streetlights are sometimes rare.

Gassing Up

The gasoline industry is centralized under the Mexican government, so look for the green-and-white PEMEX signs. Petroleos Mexicanos is the only game in town, and it charges the same at every station, except near the border where prices correspond more to U.S. levels. Most service stations are full service and few accept credit cards, so remember to carry cash and tip the attendants.

Emergencies

Breakdowns

• Ask your car rental agency up front about their coverage levels and policies for breakdowns. Most have a system in place that gets you a replacement car in a jiffy, or sends you to the nearest mechanic for a quick fix.

• Green Angels patrol most of the major interstates, looking for breakdowns and people in need. They drive green trucks, and assist with minor car repairs for free. Sometimes they'll even sell you gas, although that'll cost you some pesos.

• The local police department is always available to help as a last resort.

Accidents

Many local drivers in Mexico lack adequate insurance coverage, so don't be surprised if someone just drives away in a minor accident. For more serious accidents, Mexican authorities are prone to holding all parties involved until blame can be sufficiently assessed. If you are party to a major accident, have your identification, license, vehicle and insurance information at hand. It's a good idea to call the police and your local consulate early in the process.