Driving in Mexico: What You Really Need to Know

Driving in Mexico is an adventure like no other — but it’s not quite the same as cruising through Canada or the U.S. Between livestock on the road, narrow Baja highways, gas station scams, and the ever-present surprise speed bumps, there are a few critical things you need to know before you hit the road.

If you’re prepared, driving in Mexico can open up incredible places most tourists never get to experience. If you’re not — well, it might just open up a pothole the size of your van.

Rules for Driving in Mexico

First things first: just because the locals are rolling through every stop sign doesn’t mean you can.
If you’re driving a foreign-plated vehicle, you’re held to a different standard. Rolling through a stop, speeding, or treating traffic laws casually can land you in serious trouble, even if everyone else around you is doing it.

Right-of-way rules exist — but they’re often loosely observed. Defensive driving isn’t just smart here; it’s survival.

Another quirk: if a big rig signals left on the highway, it usually means “it’s clear to pass” — not that they’re turning left. It’s a courtesy between drivers that takes a little getting used to.

And speaking of quirks, sometimes to make a left turn on a highway, you’ll need to pull over to the right shoulder first.
You signal left, pull right, wait for traffic to clear, and then make your left turn across the road. It feels completely backward if you’re used to North American driving, but it’s totally normal here.

As for the roads themselves? Let’s just say Baja lanes are so narrow and windy that it completely destroyed my driver’s side rearview mirror on one trip. White-knuckle, terrifying — but somehow my brother absolutely loves it.

Planning to bring your pets along for the ride? You might want to check out how to road trip with pets before you go.

Rolling 4-Way Stops and Hidden Signs

One thing that caught me completely off guard was how casual people are about stop signs — especially at 4-way stops.
First, just because it looks like a 4-way stop doesn't mean you’re not still on a one-way street. Pay close attention to signs or road markings (if there are any) — it’s not always obvious.

Second, stop signs are often hidden by dense vegetation. Sometimes you won’t even see the sign until you’re right on top of it — or worse, you’ll miss it entirely if you’re not paying close attention. Locals seem to know where they are by muscle memory, but as a tourist, you’re flying blind.

And third — rolling stops are the norm.
If you’re actually stopping like you’re supposed to, you might feel like you’re about to get rear-ended because everyone else is just tapping the brakes and blowing through.
It’s nerve-wracking, but stop anyway.
You’re driving a foreign-plated vehicle, which makes you an easy target for tickets or extra attention if something goes wrong. Stay calm, stay predictable, and don’t let the pressure rush you.

Gas Stations in Mexico: Don't Skip Them!

When you see a gas station — stop.
Especially if you’re driving through Baja. Gas stations are not like the U.S. where you can count on the next town having one. Sometimes "the next one" is hours away. get to know exactly how far you can go on a tank of gas and never get below half.

A few important tips for gas stations:

• Always get out of your vehicle and watch the pump start at zero.
  
  

• Confirm that the number on the keypad matches the pump amount before paying.
  
  

• Preferably pay with a card — but be alert either way.
  
  

• Some station bathrooms require a small cash payment. Always carry pesos for this — cards won’t help when you really gotta go.
  
  

Why You Should Never Drive at Night in Mexico

You’ll hear a lot of advice about not driving at night in Mexico, and it’s solid advice.
The real reason isn’t banditos.
It’s livestock and potholes.

Cows, horses, and donkeys roam freely in many areas, especially rural roads. They’re practically invisible at night, and hitting one can total your vehicle.
And the potholes? Some are deep enough to rip your tire clean off your rim or smash your suspension — and you won’t see them coming in the dark.

If you absolutely must drive, stick to toll highways (cuotas) and keep your speed reasonable. But ideally, plan your driving so you’re parked by sunset.

How to Handle Police Shakedowns

I had two shakedown attempts on my last trip to Mexico.
Here’s what you need to know:

• Never pay cash at the side of the road.
  
  

• Politely ask for a written ticket. Google Translate is your friend.
  
  

• If they insist, offer to follow them to the nearest courthouse.
  
  

• A dashcam is your BEST friend — it makes a huge difference if things get questionable.
  
  

If a police officer hints that you can just "pay now and go," that's called a "mordida" — Spanish for "little bite." It's basically a polite way of asking for a bribe.
Don’t do it, seriously don't do it, stand your ground. Paying on the side of the road encourages the behavior and makes it harder for everyone else traveling after you.

Bonus tip:
Carry two wallets. One "real" wallet you keep hidden, and a "dummy wallet" with a small amount of cash.
If you absolutely cannot avoid paying a mordida, showing a small amount of cash signals that you don’t have more, and can sometimes de-escalate the situation.

Road Conditions, Topes, and Toll Roads

If you think you know potholes, Mexico will humble you.
Paid toll highways are decent, but free roads ("libres") can be brutal.
Speed bumps ("topes") pop up randomly — often completely unmarked. Some topes are so vicious that if you hit them fast, you’re risking real damage.

Stick to toll roads ("cuotas") whenever you can. Yes, they cost a few pesos, but the smoother roads and added safety are worth every cent.

If you're planning some off-road exploring while you’re down there, you might also enjoy my guide to all-terrain electric scooters.

The Toll Road Pass: What It Is and How to Get One

If you’re planning to stick mostly to toll roads ("cuotas"), it might be worth picking up a PASE pass (known as Telepeaje).
It’s basically Mexico’s version of a toll transponder — you stick it inside your windshield, and it lets you breeze through the fast lanes at toll booths without fumbling for cash.

You can buy a PASE online at pase.com.mx or sometimes at OXXO stores (Mexico’s version of 7-Eleven) and certain toll plazas near big cities.
You’ll need a credit card to load it with pesos. Some people set up auto-reload, but I found it easier to just top it up as needed.

Heads up:

• Not every single toll booth accepts PASE, especially in super rural areas, but most major highways do.
  
  

• If you're driving Baja, you'll still need pesos for many toll booths, because the PASE system isn't widely accepted yet on that route.
  
  

• It’s most useful if you’re heading toward mainland Mexico or big urban centers.
  
  

Even if you don't get one, keep small bills and coins handy — a lot of toll booths don’t give change for large notes.

Documents You Must Carry

You’re required to carry:

• Your passport. You are supposed to have this on you at all times in Mexico the risk of losing it is too real for me. I carry an expired one and keep my real one in a safe place.
  
  

• Mexican liability insurance (this is mandatory — your Canadian or U.S. insurance won’t cover you)
  
  

• Temporary Import Permit (TIP) if you're traveling beyond Baja California or Baja California Sur (you don't need a TIP if you’re staying only within those areas)
  
  

• Driver’s license
  
  

• Vehicle registration
  
  

Also, when you cross the border, don’t forget to get your FMM (Forma Migratoria Múltiple) — basically your tourist visa.

• Just because the border agent inspecting your vehicle doesn’t say anything about it doesn’t mean you don’t need it.
  
  

• You have to ask where to get it, usually at a separate immigration office right after you cross.
  
  

• Pay in USD or pesos — do not assume they will take a credit card.
  
  

If you’re caught without an FMM later, you could face fines or even get turned around.

Tips for RVers and Towing

Driving an RV or towing a car down the Baja? You’re braver than I am — but it’s doable if you’re prepared.
Roads are narrow, fuel stations are few, and white-knuckle curves are everywhere.
If you’re towing, especially, make sure you’re ready for tight corners and limited turnaround space.

You can get a better idea of what's involved by checking out how to tow a car behind an RV.

Bottom line: fuel up every chance you get, drive slow, and plan your route carefully.

FAQ About Driving in Mexico

Is it safe to drive in Mexico?
Yes — with preparation and common sense. Stick to daytime driving, pay attention, and stay flexible.

Do I need special insurance?
Yes, Mexican liability insurance is legally required, even if you have great coverage back home.

Are police corrupt?
Sometimes. Most are professional, but a few take advantage of tourists who don’t know the system. Knowing your rights helps.

Can I drive a foreign-plated car?
Yes — but you are expected to follow all laws strictly, even if locals don’t seem to.

Final Thoughts

Driving in Mexico is wild, beautiful, and at times, nerve-wracking — but it’s one of the best ways to experience the country’s real heart.
Just go in prepared: fuel up when you can, stay off the roads at night, keep your documents and dashcam ready, and don’t take shortcuts when it comes to your safety.

And if you like honest adventure stories — the kind where not everything goes perfectly — you might enjoy my book Rolling Solo. It’s not about driving through Mexico, but it’s packed with the real ups and downs of forging your own path.

Safe travels, amigos.

Helpful Resources

• Baja Bound Mexican Insurance
  
  

• Lewis and Lewis Mexican Insurance