Travel Tips - Driving In Mexico There are many sights and recreational opportunities in Mexico that attract Americans on short drives and longer road trips south of the border. If you’re going to do any driving in Mexico, there are several things that you should know before you go to ensure a hassle-free trip. Mexican Insurance Though U.S. driver’s licenses are valid in Mexico, your American auto insurance is not. Mexican authorities do not recognize American property damage and bodily injury liability coverages; most collision and comprehensive coverages issued by American insurance providers are also considered invalid. Thus, the Mexican government requires Mexican insurance for all vehicles driven into Mexico and for all vehicles rented in Mexico. If you’re crossing the U.S.-Mexican border in your own car, you can easily purchase Mexican insurance on the U.S. side before traveling into Mexico. You can also buy this insurance in most Mexican border cities and towns. You should purchase coverages roughly equivalent to the coverages you carry in the U.S. At the very least, you should buy Mexican liability insurance with liability limits comparable to what you carry at home. If you are held responsible for an accident in Mexico and do not have Mexican liability insurance, there is a strong likelihood that you will have to spend some time in jail until the authorities are satisfied that you can pay for the damages. You may also be brought up on criminal charges if you are held responsible for an accident resulting in serious damages or injuries. Regardless of whether you have Mexican insurance or not, Mexican authorities often take drivers involved in accidents into police custody until responsibility for the accident is determined and until the ability to pay for damages is ascertained. As true of driving in any country, never drive while under the influence. In Mexico, auto insurance is considered invalid if a driver is found to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Rental Cars in Mexico Most likely, you will be unable to rent a car in the U.S. and drive it to Mexico; many American car rental companies prohibit drivers from taking rental cars out of the U.S. Mexican officials are aware of this, and have sometimes impounded rental vehicles driven from the U.S. Check with your car rental company before you drive to Mexico to make sure that your rental contract allows this. If you rent a car in Mexico, the insurance included in most Mexican car rental contracts offers extremely low liability coverage. If you are held responsible for an accident, this coverage may not be enough to help you pay for damages and injuries. Since Mexican law allows drivers to be jailed until they have met financial obligations to injured parties and rental car companies, most renters should purchase additional liability, collision, and comprehensive coverages in order to meet these costs. Be sure to read your rental contract carefully to determine how much additional insurance coverage you may need. Driving Pointers Road conditions and traffic flows can be very different in Mexico, so you may need to drive somewhat slower than you would at home. Also, it is advisable that you avoid driving at night due to the fact that many motor vehicles and bicycles lack proper illumination. Some roads, even newer ones, lack roadside amenities such as gas, food, lodging, and repair services. It’s a good idea to research your route in advance by using guidebooks, auto club information, or Mexican government tourist office resources to get an idea of road quality and the availability of roadside services. If you’re planning to drive in areas with few roadside services, prepare your car by having it tuned up before you leave the U.S. and pack an extra fan belt and any other spare parts you feel you may need. If you do bring spare parts into Mexico, be sure to declare them when you enter the country. On leaving, show that you are taking the unused parts with you or that you had the parts installed in Mexico by providing your repair receipts to Mexican Customs officers. In less frequented areas, it is also useful to bring a flexible funnel to help fill your gas tank, since some gas pumps have nozzles that are too large to fit into unleaded tanks. Packing a basic first-aid kit and an emergency water supply is also a good idea. No matter where you are in Mexico, if you have a driving emergency, know that you can always call (91)(5) 250-8221/8555 ext.130/297 to get help from the Green Angels. The Green Angels are bilingual crews who drive radio-dispatched trucks and give roadside assistance. They provide basic supplies, first-aid, automotive help, and protection. The Green Angels’ services are generally free, except for the cost of parts, gas, and oil. Beyond Border Areas If you are planning to drive in Mexico beyond the Border Zone and Free Trade Zone (which includes the Baja California Peninsula and the Sonora Free Trade Zone), you may need to obtain a temporary importation permit for your vehicle. Check with your nearest Mexican consulate for specific details concerning the requirements for this permit. More Information If you have any questions concerning driving regulations in Mexico, contact the nearest Mexican consulate. Mexican consular offices are located in many large American cities. The Mexico Government Tourist Organization (MGTO) can also answer driving-related questions. Call 1-800-44-MEXICO (639426)