The Truth About Driving in Mexico Most Travelers Miss
Driving in Mexico can be one of the best ways to explore the country, with freedom to chase hidden beaches, colorful pueblos, and roadside taco stands that tourists never find. But it’s not as simple as just renting a car and hitting the road.
From unexpected speed bumps (“topes”) to creative driving rules, there are a few things every traveler should know before taking the wheel. Here’s what it’s really like to drive in Mexico, plus the must-know tips to stay safe, confident, and enjoy the ride.
The first thing to know is that, although the basic safety rules are the same everywhere, every state has its own unwritten rules and recommendations. Some roads are less safe than others, and you should certainly research more about the destination you are visiting.
I am also going to share some sources where you can find real-time information.
In this post, I will talk about driving in Mexico in general, but I will also speak about driving in Baja California and in the Yucatan Peninsula specifically, because that’s where my driving experience is.
You may also want to read my post on Mexico safety tips in general.
This post may contain affiliate links. If you purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for supporting my small business.
How to stay safe while driving in Mexico
There are a few things you should know before driving in Mexico, from how to avoid being scammed by car rental (it happened to me) to road conditions, speed limits, and other important considerations that you should be aware of if you plan to drive in Mexico, which I highly recommend. Let’s explore them one by one.
Tips on Car Rental
I will write a dedicated post about it because it is a topic that deserves more attention. However, here I would like to share a few very important tips.
- First of all, make sure you ask for the exact breakdown of the price you are given and what it includes.
- Keep in mind that the price that is advertised rarely includes the insurance which will blow up the cost. I would recommend going for the full insurance but make sure you ask for 0 deductible and what it’s not included.
- Also, even if your credit card from the US includes your insurance, you should get one with the car rental to avoid issues in case of an accident. Hopefully, you won’t need to use it, but it’s better to stay on the safe side.
Discover Cars Mexico Review
Discover Cars is one of the most popular car rental companies for many reasons, including:
✔︎ straightforward information
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✔︎ listing of different companies with reviews
I have found an amazing site where they compare the prices of different car rentals so you can make your choice.
It’s DiscoverCars.com, and it’s one of the easiest and most popular platforms to find the best car rental deal.
↳You can read my Discover Cars Rental reviews for further clarity.
Regardless of where you are renting your car, you sure want to pay attention to the hidden prices and scams.
But before we move on, keep in mind that picking up the car at the airport is more expensive than anywhere else, as the site rental cost is higher; therefore, they have to charge more, except for renting a car in Cancun, where it’s exactly the same rate if you book it in town or the airport.
Also, dropping off the car at a place different from where you picked it up will attract an extra cost, which is normally quite high.
Topes
The so-called topes are basically speed bumps, and most of the time, they are not indicated. They are more frequent in the proximity of small towns and within the towns.
Some of them are really huge, and if you don’t see them and run over them, they can even damage your car. That’s why is very important to keep an extra eye and go slow.
Police
Unfortunately, this is a sad truth in Mexico. Sometimes you must pay attention to the police as well. When you hear a story that police stop cars (especially if they see it’s a car rental) to ask for a bribe, it’s, unfortunately, true, in some cases.
Not to justify them, but their salary is so meager that they feel almost “entitled” to do that in order to put food on the table for their numerous family.
Still, I don’t like that practice, and I have never bribed anyone during my 10 years living in Mexico.
It’s just not my thing. I was stopped several times for correct reasons: speed, talking on the phone while driving, and lack of a seat belt. I am very distracted, and sometimes I forget.
But I was lucky. I got a fine only, and all the other times they just let me go.
And when they were holding me longer than usual in the hope that I would hand them some money to let me go, I would just tell them to give me the fine.
However, although I don’t want to encourage the practice of bribing, I understand that sometimes they make it so difficult that it’s inevitable, for the sake of peace and time-saving.
This practice is most common in Cancun and along the Riviera Maya, mainly, but if you wish to explore Yucatan and Campeche, you shouldn’t have any issues of this kind. There is a totally different attitude, and the people are more genuine and laid back.
Speed limits
Please respect the speed limit not only for your safety and others, but also because they do speed checks every now and then, and they will have a good excuse to give you a fine if you are caught.
There are many police checkpoints, especially along the “Carretera Federal”, the federal road that connects Cancun with Tulum and Bacalar, and others all over the country.
You will see them and just need to slow down. Sometimes they ask you to pull over and check your documents, and that’s it.
Seat Belt
Don’t give the police another reason for stopping you. Just remember to wear it. I remember a rare case when a police lady would drive beside me and kindly remind me to put my seat belt on. That was kind of her.
Gasoline
When you travel in isolated rural areas, it might be difficult to find gas stations. Therefore, it is always advisable to make sure you are driving with the tank half full and fill it up as soon as you have the chance.
In small towns, if you don’t find gas stations, just ask around because there might be a chance that they sell gasoline in convenience stores.
Stop Signs
Some people would argue that a Stop Sign in Mexico is just a “yield” warning. Well, don’t listen to that. Just stop when you see a stop sign. It’s safer, and you avoid offering the police another excuse for stopping you.
The STOP sign in Mexico says ALTO, normally in an octagonal-shaped red sign! keep it in mind 😉
Driving at night
Never drive at night, in any part of Mexico.
The reason is that some parts of Mexico are known for assaults at night, but most of all because it’s not safe in general. You won’t see potholes, and many roads are not lit, so you wouldn’t see people or animals walking with the risk of running them over. But also, people with worse intentions act at night. So just avoid it.
Roundabouts
In Mexico, the cars within the roundabouts have priority. So keep that in mind.
Also, many main roads are like highways. If you miss your turn and need to go back, you have “Retornos”, which means that you must stay on the left carriageway and as soon as you will see the U-turn indication, you can turn back.
Be careful with scooters with 3,4,5 people on it, and people biking or walking on the side of the road.
One way streets
One-way roads are sometimes unmarked. So I usually pay attention to where other cars are going.
Highways
Highways are called CUOTAS, and they don’t accept USD, only pesos and cash.
Driving in the Yucatan Peninsula
► You may also want to read: Renting a Car in Tulum: all you need to know
You need to know that the Yucatan state is considered the safest state in Mexico, with the kindest and most genuine people, and I can absolutely confirm it.
The Yucatan Peninsula is a geographical region that includes the Mexican states of Yucatan, Campeche, and Quintana Roo.
Campeche is relatively safe, too, except for the city of Ciudad del Carmen on the Laguna de Terminos, but you don’t need to go there anyway.
Quintana Roo is one of the most touristy regions of Mexico and safe, but that’s where Mexican police are at their worst and where it’s easier to be stopped and implicitly asked for bribes. So make sure you don’t offer them a pretext for doing it.
Gasoline
In more touristy areas, you can find gas stations everywhere. However, if you drive into more rural areas, you run the risk of running out of gas for a long time. So I would recommend you should keep your tank full and put gas in every time you find an opportunity.
Keep in mind, though, that if you happen to run out of gas while you are roaming around those small villages in rural Yucatan, you might be able to buy gasoline in the convenience stores, which are in fact small local shops. So do not panic and ask around.
You will be surprised how people will go out of their way to help.
In general, you will find enough gas stations along the way all around Yucatan, and I would suggest you always check your tank gauge and keep it topped up.
Another important thing to remember is to always check the counter while they pour gasoline at the gas stations and also make sure you pay attention to what kind of bills you are paying and that they give you the correct change.
There have been reports of some scammy practices.
Also, it may happen that they won’t accept credit cards for some reason, which I haven’t found out yet. But they will tell you the system is down.
In any case, it’s always advisable to have some Mexican cash with you, and if not, ask if they accept cards before getting gas.
From Tulum to Bacalar the only gas station is in Felipe Carrillo Puerto. So remember to fill up your tank in Tulum. Also in the Calakmul area, gas stations are rare. Make sure you fill up your tank in Xpujil.
Roads in the Yucatan Peninsula
There are two main highways (CUOTA): one connecting Cancun to Merida and another connecting Merida to Campeche. The latter is obviously the fastest but also the most boring. I always take the regular roads and enjoy driving through the small villages. If you ask around, you will find amazing hidden churches and cenotes.
That’s where the potholes and topes are, so be mindful and drive slowly.
Butterflies
I am picturing your surprised face while reading this, but in spring, you will see thousands of beautiful white and yellow butterflies dancing in the air and getting smashed on your front screen.
Unfortunately, there is nothing we can do about it, although we feel like murderers. But it’s the course of nature.
Make sure you don’t get distracted, though, and stay focused on the road ahead.
Why rent a car in the Yucatan Peninsula?
Visiting the Yucatan Peninsula is very safe and easy, and you will find millions of tours that take you to the most common places to visit.
However, I believe that driving on your own gives you the freedom to choose your schedule and go at your own pac,e besides getting you places where tours and public transportation don’t go.
For example, if you want to visit Chichen-Itza by tour, you will get there with thousands of other people and won’t see the magic of the place, whereas if you drive on your own, you can get there when they open and be on your own or with a few others and enjoy the amazing site.
Driving your own car allows you to get off the beaten path and discover rural areas, with old churches and secluded cenotes, local markets, and other hidden gems, you can mingle with locals and discover the beauty of the regions in a more authentic way.
Driving in Baja California Sur
Baja California Sur is another region where I have driven extensively. I absolutely love it and I find it super safe. Different from the Yucatan Peninsula, I find it absolutely necessary to have a car here if you want to enjoy Baja to the fullest.
The public service is available but not reliable, and only reaches the main cities. But there is so much to do and see, and renting a car will be the best option.
I did a solo road trip in Baja California Sur and I felt absolutely safe. I would suggest you read my post to have a better idea of why I suggest a car rental.
Make sure, though, you don’t get distracted by the spectacular views and also keep your eyes on the road and drive slowly in the proximity of hills.
The main dangers while driving in Baja California are goats and cows that might appear on the road just out of the blue. You don’t want to crash into one of them.
Where to find real-time information
If you are driving anywhere in Mexico, you might want to check the safety situation and road conditions first. I found this Facebook group being quite helpful. It’s populated by expats and Mexicans, and they share useful information on any area in Mexico.
I would suggest you search your topic before posting, and if you don’t find anything that’s already been discussed, you can ask your question. You’ll receive your answer immediately.
Now, I believe I have shared all I know about driving in Mexico, but if you have any further tips to add, please let me know in the comments below.
For further reading
- Where to Rent a Car in Playa Del Carmen | Prices & Info
- Cheap Car Rental in Guadalajara – How to Choose the Best One and Practical Tips
- How to find Cheap Car Rentals in Puerto Vallarta
- Renting a Car in Tulum Mexico: All You Need to Know for a Smooth and Flawless Experience!
- Renting a car in Mexico: everything you need to know not to get ripped off
