Driving in Mexico guide

Key rules, regulations and things to know

Driving: Drive on the right and overtake on the left.

Generally drivers drive carefully, keep to speed limits and obey traffic lights and other rules of the road. Naturally like any country there are exceptions unfortunately.

Speed limits - km/h the signs are shown like in Ireland 40km/h - city roads and 80 km/h outside and 100 to 110 km/h on highways.

Drinking and Driving: Image on left is of the police setting up a roadside drink /drive testing zone for random checks More information Here The National Limit 0.08

Seat belts: It is compulsory for front and rear seat occupants to wear seat belts. Children under the age of seven are not allowedf to sit in the front. The majority of drivers and passengers comply including, bus, taxi and commercial drivers. Seat belt warning signs appear on the highways.

Pedestrian Crossings: In cities and larger towns you will normally find automated crossings.

Speed bumps/Topes: These will certainly make drivers slow right down and drive slowly over them and can be found on most types of roads. They will normally be located on the edge of villages or towns. You will also find permanent police check points on the entrance to towns and city areas.

Mobile Phones: You should not use a hand held mobile phone whilst driving. You can use a hands free device. These warning signs appear on routes in the cities and on on highways. Unfortunately like so many places these days drivers do attempt to text or use mobile phones whilst driving.

Radar detection: If you exceed the speed limit you are liable to a fine.

No parking: Do not park where these are displayed, the police have powers to impound a vehicle.

Spare glasses should be kept in the car for those who need them for driving.

Telephone Country Code: +52

Emergency Telephone Numbers for police, ambulance, fire and rescue services in Mexico 911 or 066

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Drink Drive Laws - Examples of what can be drunk at present

It is not a lot and in some countries even to drink the glass on the right would be breaking the law if you drove afterwards in others a sip would be too much see "Wine" below

"Wine - even a sip will send you over the limit and invalidate your insurance in Parkistan, Cuba, Indonesia, Romania, Jordan and Nigeria, according to Rhinocarhire.com which produces a comprehensive guide." The A to Z of car hire - The Independent - August 2010

See this guide for further information

Driving abroad - British Government website. Contains general information about driving abroad and gives you the option to search for specific advice by country

Finally, Don’t forget your excess cover and buy it before you set off

Excess charges could cost you up to £1,000 or more. Protect yourself by organising your insurance4carrental car hire insurance before you head to Europe.