Driving in Mexico

Driving into Mexico from the United States by car is possible if a person adheres to some ground rules. To start with, a person wishing to travel within the free trade zone or 20 kilometers from the Mexico-US border should is not required to adhere to any procedures. Beyond these zones however, one needs to have a proof of his United States citizenry, a tourist card, a car ownership proof or a leasing contract for hired vehicles, a driving license and credit cards valid to make international transactions. 

At the border, an international traveler will be required to get a driving permit. The permit is acquired at the customs office located at the border crossing.  Here, the traveler is required to present documents and credit cards, which should be in his own name. You are also required to leave a guarantee deposit, which is refunded on the return journey. The amount of the guarantee deposit depend the car model and the year of manufacturer. Alternatively, one can opt to obtain a travel certificate from Mexican consulates in their respective states. Unlike the guarantee deposit, the certificate fee is non-refundable. Something worth noting for people who acquire certificates from Mexican Consulates is the fact that they too will be required to pay the guarantee deposit at the border. 

Once inside the Mexican territory, a driver should consider buying Mexican vehicle insurance. This will provide cover to the car should an accident happen. The insurance cover should include the services of claim adjusters and an attorney. Should an accident happen, one is not allowed to move their vehicles until fault is established.  International drivers should also be aware that ruts and potholes are a common feature in most Mexican roads. As such, one should ensure that their vehicle is in good enough condition to withstand travel along such roads.  

International travelers should try to restrict their travel plans to daylight hours. This is especially so since insecurity is still a thorny issue in Mexico. In addition, the road signs and hazards are more apparent during daylight, there are more travelers on the roads. Even when the driver is forced to drive at night, they should avoid traveling the isolated roads, and stopping for hitchhikers. You should also be on the lookout for foreign objects placed on the roads. This is used by local criminals to lure unsuspecting drivers to stop. 

An international driver should also find out who has the right of way in the Mexican roads before embarking on the journey. As such, he or she will know when to slow down and let the other vehicles have the lane space. Just like anywhere else, one should plan the travel ahead, book accommodation in good time and purchase a road map. More importantly, an international traveling driving in Mexico should remember that the driving school lessons apply in this country, just as they do in their home country. This means that the driver should adhere to the speed limits and obey road signals.