The meat and potatoes of this article will not focus on whether or not you can drive your US registered car in Mexico. The answer to that question is incredibly simple: Yes, you can. The questions you’ll want to pay attention to throughout the remainder of this article include:
- What do you need to drive in Mexico?
- How do you cross the Mexican border to drive into Mexico?
- What tips should you take with you to better learn how to drive in Mexico?
What do you need to drive in Mexico?
If you’re driving your own US registered car into Mexico, you’ll want to make sure you have everything in this checklist:
- American identification
- Driver’s license
- Mexican immigration car
- Car insurance policy
- Proof of registration
- Temporary vehicle importation permit
The same rules apply if you’re renting a car to bring across the border.
How do you cross the Mexican border to drive into Mexico?
Upon arrival at the US/Mexican border, you’ll get in one designated lane and wait your turn for the traffic light to turn green or red. If it turns green and you’re under it, you can proceed directly into Mexico. If it turns red, however, you will then be directed to an area to park. A customs official will proceed to ask you questions, and this may include a personal or car search.
If all of your paperwork is in order and you’re not carrying any illegal weapons or drugs, you should be perfectly fine to proceed into Mexico.
What tips should you take with you to better learn how to drive in Mexico?
Avoid driving at night.
Road fatalities are much more common when it’s dark outside than when it’s light. The reasons behind this include alive or dead animals lying in the road, pedestrians walking on the side of the road, unnoticeable potholes due to lack of proper lighting, and taillights missing from vehicles rear ends. Any of these instances put you a greater risk for accident, so avoid driving after the sunsets at all costs.
If you do drive at night and happen to break down, don’t panic.
Please take note, it’s very rare for something bad to happen to you just because it’s dark out. But, you should still take every precaution necessary to keep yourself safe. If you break down at night on the roadside, lock your doors and roll up your windows. Try not to be noticeable; do this by laying low in the backseat of your car. Try to get some shut eye. Oftentimes, you don’t be disturbed.
If you break down during the day, wait for the Green Angels.
The Los Angeles Verdes, or The Green Angels, will come to your rescue if you break down in Mexico during the day. These green trucks are government-paid crews cruising the roads all day with proper tools and spare parts to get you back on the road. It’s kind of like an auto supply store on wheels. And, if they don’t have what you need, they’ll be sure to go by it and help you. Just call 078 and pull over to the side of the road.
Turn signals mean it’s ok to pass.
In the US, turn signals mean you’re moving right or moving left, either by switching lanes or going down a different road. That’s not the case in Mexico. In fact, turn signals indicate that it’s ok for the driver behind you to pass you up on the road. Odd, but once you get used to it, it’s less dangerous.
If you have any additional questions or would like to voice any concerns, please visit https://mexborder.com/. Our professionals are waiting by the phone to help you in anyway possible.