Driving in Mexico
If your travel is within the Border Zone (usually up to 20 kilometers south of
the USA - Mexico Border) or the Free Trade Zone which includes the entire Baja
California Peninsula and the Sonora Free Trade Zone there are no procedures to
comply with. Just make sure you have current vehicle registration and a valid
drivers license from your home state.
Outside of these zones you must apply for and secure a temporary
importation permit.
You should also know
that U.S. & Canadian auto insurance is not valid in Mexico. Mexican auto
insurance is mandatory in many states and cities and you should NOT drive
without it. If you are in an accident or other vehicle-related problems and you
do not have insurance, you could be arrested and your vehicle impounded until the
authorities can figure out the situation. Here are some insurance companies
that allow you to buy insurance over the phone, fax or Internet.
Answers to commonly asked questions:
1) The temporary authorization for the importation of vehicles is valid for any
type of vehicle weighing under three tons for periods up to six months (180
days).
2) The temporarily imported vehicle may be driven across the border multiple
times during the authorized period.
3) Always carry with you the importation permit when driving your car in
Mexico. Do not leave this document in the vehicle; it is indispensible in the
case of damage, theft, or accident.
4) The sale, abandonment, or use of the vehicle for financial gain will result
in its confiscation.
5) The vehicle temporarily imported by the owner may be driven in Mexico by the
spouse or adult children, as long as they have the same immigration status.
Other persons may drive the vehicle as long as the owner is in the vehicle.
If driving down the
Baja, drive slowly and absorb the incredible beauty of the Baja peninsula
crowned by the jewel of Cabo San Lucas where Los Cabos Agent can help with any other
questions.