Congrats, you have decided to drive or ride to Mexico this time! Driving in Mexico can be a thrilling experience, but it's important to be prepared and informed before hitting the road. Here are a few tips to keep in mind to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey. If you’re interested in population density, geography and economics of where you are headed, please watch this informative video.

>> Border Crossing 5 page expanded guide available - printable / phone-use PDF <<

When to visit Mexico? Mexico has incredibly diverse weather. Please visit our guide to understand the rainy season and patterns.

Documentation and Insurance:

Before driving into Mexico, make sure to have all the necessary documentation, including your driver's license, passport/passport card, vehicle registration, and title. If you're flying and driving a rental car, ensure that you have the rental agreement and insurance information readily available. You will need to have Mexican auto insurance, as U.S. or Canadian insurance policies will NOT be valid in Mexico.

• This page is for tourists visiting Mexico and not residents. It has the latest up-to-date border procedures, but processes are always changing in Mexico. I will update this page as procedures change, so check back and re-confirm just before you cross. If your situation is not addressed here, please visit - On The Road In Mexico Facebook group for more answers.

• Do want to travel with others drivers on the road in Mexico? Use this Facebook group.

• There are online forms you can fill out and print ahead of time. I have found Mexican online programs to have usability issues at times or your printed forms not being accepted at times when you arrive. As such, myself and other seasoned travelers always recommend you do all your paperwork when you arrive in person. The choice is always yours.

• You will be crossing at a US/Mexico border or a southern crossing point. Please consult the GEM map: Google Maps - Web-based map for check-mark recommended crossing points. Some are easier / recommended vs others. How to use the map.

• All of Baja California, the Sonora Free Zone, border zone towns and the Yucatan peninsula state of Quintana Roo do NOT require you to import your vehicle.

• Pro tip: Many drive vehicles to Baja / Sonora Free Zone and leave them full time. You do need current registered US tags to drive legally. Registering your vehicle in South Dakota is popular for this purpose. Some drive south to Quintana Roo (Cancun, Riveria Maya) and leave their vehicles full time or come up thru Belize. You can cancel your existing TIP (for a bond $ refund) at the Belize border near Chetumal and legally drive your car in Quintana Roo only. Technically you can not drive on government owned properties (ie. airports) without a TIP however.

• Mainland Mexico, outside of the Sonora Free Zone and border towns, requires you to import your vehicle. This is know as a TIP (Temporary Import Permit). This is a bond payment you will pay when you cross and you get that $ refunded when you leave. TIP payment depends on your vehicle’s age ($400 for 2007+ newer, $300 2001-2006, $200 older). You can pay your TIP with USD cash (Canadian & Pesos not accepted) or a Visa/Mastercard credit card (make sure your credit card works in Mexico) from any bank. When you exit Mexico, your is TIP is refunded the same way you paid - cash USD or credit card refund.

• TIP bond deposit refund on a closed credit card issue:

  If for any reason this credit card account is closed/canceled during your time you are in Mexico, do NOT stop at a Banjercito booth when you are returning. These agent can only process your return and attempt to refund to that credit card used. Go to the main Banjercito window and present a new credit card for bond return. Make sure the new credit card can accept that credit from a Mexican bank. If you do not have a new credit card to present, they have an additional procedure. If you paid with a credit card, they will not refund you with USD cash.

  Pro TIP: Consider paying with USD cash - cash IN = cash OUT. If you do pay your deposit with a credit credit, do not use that credit card while in Mexico. Store it away. This eliminates any chance of fraud and a closed account on that card.

• There is a max vehicle weight (3.5 metric tons - 7,716 lbs GVWR - Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) restriction and thus many full size trucks are over this. Mexico does not allow commercial/work vehicles into the country. Every vehicle has a GVWR sticker on the passenger door. Customs agents might require a picture of this.

  https://soniadiazmexico.com/temporary-import-permit/ - “From Banjercito: you may NOT request a permit for a vehicle weighing more than 3.5 metric tons (7,716 lbs GVRW). Article IV.6”

• Traveling with an overweight GVWR truck, plus a travel trailer, 5th wheel or bed camper? You can apply to Banjercito and ask for a “Casa de Rodante” form and inspection. They will confirm that your truck is indeed being used as an RV and not for commercial purposes and issue you a TIP.

• RVs do not require a bond deposit, receive a 10 year TIP (vehicle must be registered as a RV, ie a converted van), have no max vehicle weight restriction (3.5 metric tons - 7,716 lbs GVRW), and you can tow a trailer too. This is for enclosed stand-alone class A, B, C RVs only. Our RV guide.

• You can tow a trailer with any approved vehicle. The vehicle and trailer receive a combined TIP.

• If you have a vehicle, trailer & a street-legal motorcycle (you wish to use legally & insured on the roads vs an off-road dirtbike) you can not get a TIP for the vehicle and for the motorcycle under 1 name. Only 1 TIP per person. Travel to a no TIP zone if this is an issue. Titles need to be in the name of the person receiving the TIP or prove you’re related with paperwork. If you are married, having both titles in both names works well. One of you gets the vehicle & trailer TIP, the others gets the motorcycle TIP. Either of you can use either vehicle legally in Mexico, as long as you have insurance covered in your names.

• If you have a vehicle, trailer & a non street-legal / off-road motorcycle, ATV, SxS, cart etc then 1 person can get a TIP for all of those combined. This then assumes you will not use these on the street, only the legal and insured vehicle can be used on the street.

• There are additional rules and regulations, so please consult these excellent Mexico resources for complete details:

  Sonia Diaz - MexPro - MexPro FAQ - On The Road In Mexico Facebook - Motorcycle Mexico Facebook - Baja Bound FAQ - Gov Website - US Gov Website

• You will be obtaining your TIP from a crossing with a Banjercito (Mexican Army Bank) office location. Not all crossings have a Banjercito office (but most do), so that is why it’s essential to consult the GEM border crossing map for those locations and details. Recommended crossings with check mark icons all have Banjercitos.

• When your FMM (see below) expires, so does your TIP.

• Traveling with pets? Discover Baja - Mexperience - Baja Bound

• Boat Permit - Discover Baja, Fishing License - Discover Baja

  Documents you will need: (bring 3 black & white copies of each of these with you!)

• #1 Passport / passport card - must be valid during the entire time you will be in Mexico. Mexico does not require 6+ months expiration date. Those with green card need to present both. Your passport name must match your registration / title.

• #2 Vehicle registration - must be in your name or presented with a marriage or birth certificate showing it’s a spouse or child’s vehicle. It is not possible to take a non-family member vehicle.

  If you are traveling alone, but have a registration / title that has 2 names on it (spouse) then you need to bring your marriage license or a notarized letter stating you can bring this vehicle to Mexico. Ideally you have both! This has been an issue for solo travelers and they are denied a TIP. Every customs agent works differently, so the be prepared with all the supporting paperwork.

• #3 Original vehicle title - must be in your name or documents proving you are related. No non-family member vehicles allowed anymore. If you have a vehicle lien (loan), you must have a notarized travel release letter from your lender.

  I’ve been asked for this document several times, other times no. I have my original title and copies with me, but only show these documents if asked. Every customs agent works differently…so be prepared. The law states you need either your registration or a title. If you don’t have a title with you, state that if asked.

• #4 Drivers license - must be valid for the time you are in Mexico. Mexico does NOT require an International Drivers License.

• #5 Insurance - your US or Canadian policy will NOT cover you. Baja Bound insurance has decades of experience and satisfied customers. You might not be asked for this, but you need it! If you get into accident without Mexican insurance, you may be taken to jail and your vehicle may be confiscated. You may have a US/Canada policy that says it’s valid in Mexico, but if you are involved in an accident, you need local Spanish-speaking representation and help on your side. At times agents can and do ask for proof of insurance, so be prepared!

• In addition to your vehicle TIP, you will need your personal paperwork. Your travel document is called a FMM (Forma Migratoria Multiple) - tourist card. When you cross by land, Mexico issues paper FMM forms, but they are changing to a passport stamps. Your FMM can be valid for up to 180 days per Mexican law. This is at the discretion of the agent. Explain to the agent you wish for 180 days, before the agent fills out that number out! You might need evidence of your lodging plans. You can NOT extend your FMM while in Mexico, you must leave Mexico.

• When your FMM expires, so does your TIP. No extensions are possible in Mexico! You must exit Mexico before your FMM expires. The only option to stay in Mexico legally is to apply for a temporary resident card and then your TIP is extended.

• There is a fee for 180 day FMM/tourist cards. 7 day FMM cards are free (but NOT for the TIP).

• Staying 72 hours or less in border town zones do not require a FMM, nor a TIP.

• Consult for more FMM info: Sonia Diaz - Baja Bound - Mexperience - Discover Baja

  The process to get your FMM & TIP:

  >> Border Crossing 5 page expanded guide available - printable / phone-use PDF <<

• #1 Use the GEM map to find the parking (P) icon for the Banjercito parking area. Google satellite and street view help to pre-plan your drive.

• #2 You will first need to import yourself - you need a FMM. Every crossing is different, but you need the INM office/window. INM (immigration) will issue your FMM tourist card. There is a slow transition to passport stamps, so you may receive a stamp instead of a FMM form.

• #3 Take your FMM and paperwork to the Banjercito office/window. Banjercito will issue your TIP. Banjercito will take a payment and is the only location that handles money.

• #4 You need photocopies of the newly received documents for step #5. Each crossing has a freelance photocopy machine owner to help you with this. Most charge $1 USD (per copy) for this service. Pesos work too. Bring some small bills.

• #5 Return to INM office/window with all your paperwork for final stamps. All done! You will be issued a receipt (and possibly a TIP printout), plus receive an email packet with your TIP. Make sure you can access this document. Take a phone screen shot or find a printer, if possible. Cell communication logistics.

• Continue to cross thru the border. Choose the lane - Nada que Declarar (Nothing to Declare).

  Exiting Mexico properly:

• Your FMM will be issued with a certain number of valid days in Mexico. The INM agent determines that and you can have up to 180 days stay at their discretion. Your TIP is connected to your FMM validity.

• If you overstay your FMM expiration date, you will loose your TIP bond deposit. There is no extension process available, except to leave Mexico. Your passport will be flagged in the national computer system and you will probably be denied a future TIP.

• Before your FMM expires, you must return to the border to a Banjercito road-side booth or office. You can exit at ANY crossing as long as there is a Banjercito. The agent will inspect your vehicle and paperwork. Only your TIP is returned at Banjercito, not your FMM.

• An immediate person in your family can legally drive your car and return the TIP, if need be.

• Your FMM automatically expires on the stated date, even if you return your TIP early. You do not need to turn your FMM card back in to INM. It’s technically still legal and you could use it for another trip, before the expiration date.

• If you paid USD cash, your TIP bond deposit will be paid back in USD cash. If you paid with a credit card, that card will normally be refunded within 7 days. If you paid with a credit card that is now canceled or closed, contact the bank. They will typically mail you a check once they receive those funds for a closed card. If you have a new update credit card number only, they will update that transfer info. Banjercito window also has a form you can fill out pro-actively to update this issue.

• If for any reason you can not exit the country with your vehicle before your FMM expires, you can visit an Aduana (customs) office throughout the county. They are found at airports and other locations. You could have be involved in an accident where your vehicle is damaged beyond repair. Aduana will need the police report to cancel your TIP. These Aduana offices will not grant you an FMM/TIP extension however, just because you ask for it. If you are moving to Mexico and have applied for residency while in Mexico, this is also the procedure to connect your TIP (& bond $) to your residency card.

• If you ever forget to cancel your TIP and have left Mexico, you can still return to the border (before it expires) to cancel it.

• If you have forgotten to cancel your TIP and it has expired (your bond $ is lost) and you plan to return in the future? You are logged into the computer system. Go to a Banjercito window first with your old paperwork. Not the TIP checkout Banjecito booth, but the main Banjercito window. Explain to the agent what happened & apologize. Then proceed with the procedure above.

• If you are in Baja or the Sonora free with a FMM tourist card only, you must leave before FMM expires. You do NOT need to stop and turn this back in at the border, your FMM just expires. If you overstay your tourist visa and then you are involved in an accident, your insurance company will consider this grounds to not cover you.

• Can you come back and forth the US - Mexico border with a valid FMM / TIP? Yes and no depending on where you are and enforcement. Legally no, but in reality it happens often.

• Here are regulations regarding goods brought back to the US: Border Patrol - Baja Bound - Baja Bound food items - Discover Baja - Canada

• Bringing a dog to the US? CDC guidelines - CDC forms and regulations

  You’re leaving Mexico, but Mexico never leaves you!

Road Regulations and Signs:

Familiarize yourself with Mexican road regulations and signage to understand the rules of the road. Driving in Mexico is probably different than your home country. Speed limits are posted in km/h - kilometers per hour, and road signs are all in Spanish.

Keep an eye out for signs indicating toll roads / autopistas (cuotas - #D road on the map), free roads (libre), bypasses (libramiento, periferico), topes (speed bumps), and other important information. Expect traffic circles (glorietas), unique U-turns to access roads, road conditions that rapidly change often, and all sorts of things in the road.

Consult these online driving guides and resources as norms & rules are very different (stop signs are just suggestions, topes are everywhere, left turn signal rules and, use the far right lateral lane to make a left turn etc): Baja Bound - Playas y Plazas - Mexico Relocation Guide - Discover Baja - Mexico Mike - Eat Sleep RV - Mexinsurance - On The Road in Mexico

Learning to drive in Mexico is a constant learning process. If you are new to this, please study these guides!

Road Conditions and Navigation:

While major highways in Mexico are generally well-maintained, road conditions can vary, especially in rural areas. Limited access toll roads are called Cuotas and the number ends in a D on a map. Mexico has some of the most expensive toll roads in the world…and worth every penny at times. Pay-as-you-go toll booths (Caseta de Cobro) receipt includes additional insurance for this road. Mexican cuota tolls roads often change back and forth from limited access to local highways. Green Angels patrol and are there to help.

Electronic toll PASE devices are available and work thru most of the country. Motorcycles should not use these. Some toll roads in the north work with the IAVE electronic system only.

Mexico cuota toll road cost calculator

Free roads are called Libre roads and go thru towns. Stay updated on current road conditions and plan your route accordingly. Consult On The Road in Mexico or Motorcycle Mexico, for updates.

You will need a GPS, phone or maps (often outdated) to help you navigate unfamiliar areas. Google Maps on your phone is a key resource. When choosing your Google Maps route, add points in the middle of your planned route. If you you select your end point only, you may not travel the way you wished. You will need Telcel (or other) cell service, so please visit the Cell + Communications page.

Fuel: gas station guide

Driving Etiquette and Awareness:

Be prepared for more aggressive driving styles, especially in urban areas. Stay alert and courteous on the road, and be mindful of pedestrians, cyclists, and livestock that may share the road. Mexican drivers do not see the road as this my lane and that is your lane, but rather a total space we both can use. For example, you will be driving on a 2 lane road, with wide shoulders. Slow cars/trucks drive on the right shoulders and those passing in either direction go straight down the center.

Most Mexican drivers are very focused & attentive drivers. Adopt that same attitude and you will do well. City driving can be a challenge as free spaces & parking is less. Parking can be non-existent or a premium in most cities. Know where a paid parking lot is located ahead of time or book lodging with included parking. Many hotels do not have parking.

Using Google Maps with a passenger-helper is key, if possible. Alot happens at busy stop lights in Mexico. Many will try to wash your windows. A pointer finger no-wave hand gesture works. Others will entertain you or hope to sell you something. If you like, offer some pesos. Always drive with your lights on and use (& understand) your turn signals!

Safety and Security:

Exercise caution when driving in Mexico, especially at night. Animals are often on the roads. Avoid driving in remote areas after dark, and be cautious of your surroundings. Understand that Google Maps estimated time of arrival is often wrong…it takes you longer. Plan to arrive well before the sun goes down! Keep your vehicle secure and your valuables out of sight to deter theft. Consider an alarm system, wheel locks & rear tinted windows. Turn your wheel all the way locked when parked. A less flashy and dirty car is an advantage. A big black shiny truck is a target. I use tamper-proof bolts & screws to secure my license plates so they are not stolen.

Need a high quality dash cam ?

Vehicle Accident Procedure: Baja Bound - Live Well in Mexico - MexPro - Mexperience - Discover Baja

You MUST have insurance when driving in Mexico! You must file your accident claim while in Mexico or you may be denied coverage.

Police & Military:

Police and military stops are setup for your safety. You will encounter officers with large weapons. Some are permanent inspection stops, while others are temporary. You will see Military (Marina & Army) and National Guard (Guardia Nacional). These are Federal forces. Their concerns are weapons & drugs. Don’t mess around and you will have no issues. Bringing guns to Mexico is illegal. You will see often these forces patrolling in the backs of trucks. They will ask you travel questions and may ask to see your paperwork. They are allowed to search your vehicle and can check on your FMM & TIP status, plus your passport. They often operate on the highways. They are professional and courteous and most speak English.

You may encounter Federal under-cover, all-in-black, no identification officers. These are FGR forces looking for organized crime. They are very serious and thorough. Cartel groups can also dress this way, but theses are Federal anti-cartel forces. DOJ article.

Additionally you will see state police (Policía Estatal) all over the country. They are a level below federal forces and are there to help. They travel with their lights on all the time and will use a loud speaker if they want you to pull over. If you are having a problem, they are who you should call - dial 911.

In cities and towns, you will encounter regional (Municipal) and local (Transito) police. Municipal police watch over local road traffic laws. Transito police look out for parking infractions etc. They also travel with their lights on. These police forces may pull you over for improper reasons. If you have legitimately done some illegal, you will follow them to the police station to pay your fine. At no time do you pay them directly! If you are ever asked for money start recording a video on your phone. This is a bribe (mordida). Use this form. They are not paid very well, so this is a technique. If you are parked illegally and return to no license plates, those plates are at the local police station for you to pay that fine. Municipal and Transito police are not authorized to verify immigration and passport status. Just avoid them if possible. Drive Mexico Magazine guide to corrupt police.

PROFECO is the consumer protection agency. Even though they are not directly involved with Police integrity, you can report issues to them and they will pass along this issue. Mexico is working hard to eliminate corruption.

Finally in Mexico City, other large cities, and resort areas you will encounter tourist police (Policía Turística) in public area. They generally are helpful.

Language and Communication:

While English is spoken in tourist areas, knowing some basic Spanish phrases can be valuable for communicating with locals, especially in more rural regions. Familiarize yourself with common Mexican road signs and driving vocabulary. By following these tips and exercising caution, driving in Mexico can be a rewarding way to explore the country at your own pace. Enjoy the back roads & scenic drives, vibrant culture, and diverse landscapes that Mexico has to offer. Go Experience Mexico maps are designed to help you find these unique places. Traveling by vehicle gets you get there.

Enjoy your Mexico travels!

Bill