Driving your own car to Mexico? Want to buy a car in Mexico? Our guide gives you the rules about driving licenses, importing a car, vehicle registration & insurance.
Depending on where in Mexico you are going and how long you intend to stay, you may want to do some driving. If you are only going to Mexico for a week or so and staying at a resort in one of the tourist towns, chances are you’ll have little need for a car as everything you need is available at hand. If, on the other hand, you are going to one of less developed areas, such as the Costa Maya, you’ll probably want of have a car to get around. In general, the roads in Mexico are good and the network is extensive. Below we’ve put together a few facts you may want to know about car driving rules and regulations in Mexico.
Mexico Car Insurance
Having Mexican car insurance is obligatory whether you are driving a rented car from Mexico, the US or even if you are driving your own car from the US. Your standard car insurance policy from the US will not be valid in Mexico and will be of no use to you in the event of an accident. Fortunately, there are many companies in Mexico that cater to US citizens coming from north of the border with their own cars for only a few weeks and will be able to arrange a valid Mexican car insurance policy to match the duration of your stay. If you are planning to stay in Mexico more permanently, then you will obviously want to consider buying an annual car insurance policy.
Mexico Driving License
A US driving license is considered valid in Mexico for any period of time. If you are driving in Mexico just make sure you have your valid and up to date US driver’s license on you and you’ll be fine. Even if you have moved to Mexico permanently you can still use your US license and there is no need to get a Mexican one, although it is your responsibility to keep it up to date.
Mexico Car Import
Many people who move to Mexico permanently import a car from the US. This is a relatively straight forward procedure that can be done at the DMV in Mexico although there is a limit of one vehicle per person allowed.
