Driving in Mexico can feel familiar to U.S. motorists, but a few U.S.-legal habits can quickly land you a ticket south of the border. Understanding the most important differences before you go can save you money, stress, and even legal trouble.

Why U.S. Drivers Get Fined in Mexico

Although Mexico and the United States both drive on the right and share many basic rules, enforcement priorities and specific traffic laws differ. Mexican police often focus on behaviors that many U.S. drivers take for granted, such as turning right on red, casual speeding, or glancing at a phone at a stoplight.​

Tourists are expected to know and follow local law, regardless of what is allowed at home. Fines are usually payable on the spot or at a police station and can be significant relative to the cost of your trip, especially when multiple violations stack up.​

Rule 1: Right Turn on Red

In most of the United States, turning right on red after a full stop is routine, but in Mexico it is generally illegal unless a sign or signal specifically allows it. Some regions and officers tolerate the practice, and local drivers often do it, which can confuse visitors who assume it is always allowed.​

If you copy local drivers and turn right on red where it is not expressly permitted, you risk a citation for running a red light, with typical fines ranging from roughly 20 to 70 U.S. dollars equivalent, depending on the state. To stay safe, remain stopped at red lights unless you clearly see a sign indicating that a right turn on red is allowed.​

Rule 2: Seat Belts for Everyone

In Mexico, seat belt use is mandatory for all occupants, front and rear, and not just strongly encouraged. This is stricter than in some U.S. states where only front-seat passengers or younger occupants must be buckled. Police actively enforce this rule, especially in tourist corridors and cities.​

Fines for failing to wear a seat belt typically fall in the range of about 25 to 60 U.S. dollars, and each unbelted passenger can count as a separate violation. Always make sure every person in the vehicle is buckled before moving, even for short rides or when using rideshare or taxis.​

Typical Violations and Approximate Fine Ranges

Many U.S. states still allow handheld phone use while driving, but in Mexico the law commonly bans using a mobile device unless you use a hands‑free system. This includes talking with the phone in your hand, scrolling a map, or reading messages while in motion. Some officers also enforce the rule if you are stopped in traffic but clearly manipulating the device.​

Using a phone while driving is treated as a serious distraction and can lead to substantial fines, often roughly 40 to 90 U.S. dollars or more, depending on the local schedule. To avoid problems, set your navigation before driving, mount your phone, and use voice commands or a passenger to handle messages.​

Rule 4: Speed Limits and Units

Speed limits in Mexico are posted in kilometers per hour, not miles per hour, which can cause unintentional speeding for U.S. drivers unfamiliar with metric units. Typical limits are around 40–60 km/h (25–37 mph) in cities, 80–100 km/h (50–62 mph) on standard highways, and up to 110–120 km/h (68–75 mph) on some toll roads.​

Police and automated enforcement focus heavily on speeding, especially near towns, schools, and “topes” (speed bumps) that appear with little warning. Fines can range from modest amounts for slightly exceeding the limit to more than 100 U.S. dollars equivalent for serious violations, and in extreme cases can contribute to more severe penalties when combined with other offenses.​

Other Key Differences to Remember

Beyond these four rules, Mexico also enforces strict prohibitions against driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, with a legal blood alcohol limit generally around 0.08 and some states applying even lower thresholds. Penalties can include high fines, vehicle impoundment, and possible detention, so the safest approach is not to drink at all if you plan to drive.​

Drivers must also carry proper documentation, including a valid license, registration, and Mexican auto insurance, which is mandatory and separate from U.S. coverage. Keeping digital and paper copies of these documents, along with emergency numbers, makes roadside encounters smoother and can prevent additional fines.​

Practical Tips for U.S. Tourists

Before crossing the border, review local rules for the specific state or city you will visit, because some details—such as tolerance for right-on-red or fine amounts—vary regionally. Consider converting common speed limits to miles per hour in advance or setting your speedometer display to kilometers if your vehicle allows it.​

Drive conservatively, avoid copying risky local habits, and remember that as a guest you are more visible to enforcement. When in doubt—whether at a light, a confusing sign, or an unfamiliar checkpoint—choose the safest, most cautious option rather than what “feels normal” from U.S. driving.​

 

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FAQs

1. Can you drive in Mexico with a U.S. license?
Yes, visitors can usually drive with a valid U.S. driver’s license, but they must also carry Mexican auto insurance and vehicle documents.​

2. Is it ever legal to turn right on red in Mexico?
In many places it is only allowed where a specific sign or signal authorizes it; otherwise, turning right on red can be treated as running a red light.​

3. Are traffic fines in Mexico enforceable once back in the U.S.?
Unpaid tickets can cause problems if you return to Mexico, affect rental agreements, or lead to collection efforts, so it is best to resolve them promptly.