Car rental Mexico - Traffic Safety and Road Conditions

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Traffic Safety and Road Conditions

TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States . The information below concerning Mexico is provided for general reference only, and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance:

Safety of Public Transportation: Fair
Urban Road Conditions/Maintenance: Good
Rural Road Conditions/Maintenance: Fair
Availability of Roadside Assistance: Fair

Visitors to Mexico , especially in urban areas, should exercise particular caution when crossing streets. Public transportation vehicles, specifically taxis and city buses, often do not comply with traffic regulations, to include observing speed limits and stopping at red lights.

U.S. driver's licenses are valid in Mexico . The Government of Mexico strictly regulates the entry of vehicles into Mexico . Mexican law requires that vehicles be driven by their owners, or that the owner be inside the vehicle. If not, the vehicle may be seized by Mexican customs and will not be returned under any circumstances. For detailed information on how to bring a car into Mexico , please refer to the publication Tips for Travelers to Mexico, available on the Internet at http://travel.state.gov.

Mexican insurance is required for all vehicles, including rental vehicles. Mexican auto insurance is sold in most cities and towns on both sides of the border. U.S. automobile liability insurance is not valid in Mexico , nor is most collision and comprehensive coverage issued by U.S. companies. Travelers are encouraged to purchase auto insurance adequate for their needs in Mexico. A good rule of thumb is to buy coverage equivalent to that which is carried in the United States. Motor vehicle insurance is considered invalid in Mexico if the driver is found to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

If you are involved in an automobile accident, you will be taken into police custody until it can be determined who is liable and whether you have the ability to pay any penalty. If you do not have Mexican liability insurance, you may be prevented from departing the country even if you require life-saving medical care, and you are almost certain to spend some time in jail until all parties are satisfied that responsibility has been assigned and adequate financial satisfaction received. Drivers may also face criminal charges if the injuries or damages are serious.

Avoid excessive speed and, if possible, do not drive at night. Loose livestock can appear on roads at any time. Construction sites, abandoned vehicles and other obstacles are often unmarked or poorly marked. Be prepared for sudden stops. If you have an emergency while driving, the equivalent of "911" in Mexico is "060", but this number is not always answered. If you are driving on a toll highway (or "cuota") or any other major highway, you may contact the "Green Angels," a fleet of trucks with bilingual crews that operate daily. The "Green Angels" may be reached directly at (01) 55 5250-8221. If you are unable to call them, pull off the road and lift the hood of your car; chances are they will find you.

Vehicular traffic in Mexico City is restricted in order to reduce air pollution. The restriction is based on the last digit of the vehicle license plate. This applies equally to permanent, temporary, and foreign ( U.S. ) plates:

Monday: No driving if license plate ends with 5 or 6.
Tuesday: No driving if license plate ends with 7 or 8.
Wednesday: No driving if license plate ends with 3 or 4.
Thursday: No driving if license plate ends with 1 or 2.
Friday: No driving if license plate ends with 9 or 0.
Saturday and Sunday: All vehicles may be driven.

Cars with license plates with letters only may not drive on Fridays.

For additional information concerning Mexican driver's permits, vehicle inspection, road tax, mandatory insurance, etc., please contact the Mexican Secretariat of Tourism (SECTUR) at telephone 1-800-44-MEXICO (639-426), or its web site at http://mexico-travel.com. Travelers are advised to consult with the Mexican Embassy or the nearest Mexican consulate in the United States for additional, detailed information prior to entering Mexico .

For further information on traffic safety and driving conditions in Mexico , please refer to Tips for Travelers to Mexico at http://travel.state.gov. For additional general information about road safety, see the Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs, home page at http://travel.state.gov/road-safety.html.