Driving Conditions In Mexico

The driving conditions in Mexico are very different to those of the US and Canada.  You should remain alert on the roads and try to break your trips into shorter periods of time.  This will prevent tiredness at the wheel and the possibility of losing concentration.

Mexican Police and Documents

When you drive in Mexico, you should ensure that you carry your driver’s license and a valid form of identification with you at all times.  You should also carry your proof of vehicle ownership and registration, as well as your Mexican auto insurance documents with you.  The Mexican police often patrol the streets and may ask you to produce these documents.

The government in Mexico has started clamping down on police bribery.  This used to be commonplace when drivers were pulled over by members of the police.  If you are pulled over and the officer asks you for your documents, you should politely and calmly hand them what they have requested.

Gas Stations

The gas stations in Mexico are easily recognized by the white and green PEMEX signs.  The price does not vary very much in the different regions in the country.  You should ensure that you have some cash in your wallet as most gas stations do not accept debit or credit cards.

Drivers’ Warnings

You should remain vigilant while driving in Mexico.  Some drivers are extremely careless on the roads and may switch lanes on the highway, without indicating.  It is recommended that you restrict most of your driving time to daylight hours, if you can.  It is very difficult to drive at night if you do not know the area.  You also place yourself at risk because drunk driving is fairly common in most areas.

Not only should you take care when driving, but you should also take the necessary safety tips regarding your possessions.  Make sure that you lock your vehicle when you park it and remove all valuables. When you start your trip, you should lock all the doors of the vehicle from the inside.  If you are travelling and notice rocks or large objects blocking the road, you should drive around it and not stop to investigate.  These blocks are often placed in the road intentionally to make drivers stop.

Accidents

If you are involved in a vehicle accident, the authorities will normally detail both parties involved until they have established responsibility.  Unfortunately, this often prompts parties involved in accidents to flee the scene of the accident.  The reasons for this may be that they do not have car insurance or they may be intoxicated.  To ensure that you are covered in these instances, you should obtain adequate Mexican car insurance before you leave home.

Insurance

The Mexican authorities do not recognize foreign insurance policies as valid in their country.  This means that you are under a legal obligation to obtain Mexican car insurance before you start your trip to Mexico.  You should look around for the best deal possible.  You can do this by doing an online search or you can go directly to this URL. If you intend obtaining full cover, it is recommended that you choose one of the more reputable, larger insurance companies.  It is very risky to drive without valid Mexican auto insurance and you could be penalized quite severely if you do this.