Driving Into Mexico: What You Need to Know

Have this information and these documents on hand when you cross the border.

Benjamin Hunting | 

Jun 18, 2024 | 3 min read

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Driving your car in another country isn't nearly as complicated as it might first seem. With the right preparation, documents, and attitude, visiting Mexico behind the wheel can be a positive experience for United States residents.

Which Documents Do You Need to Drive in Mexico?

Since Mexico is a foreign country, a U.S. resident needs to bring internationally recognized identification, such as a passport or green card. Keeping this documentation with you at all times is also important should you be required to interact with any Mexican authorities on the road or otherwise. Mexico also requires that short-term visitors fill out an Official Entry Immigration Form before crossing the border with a vehicle.

That's not where the paperwork ends. Mexico additionally asks for something called a Temporary Vehicle Importation Permit if you plan to drive outside of the Mexico Free Zone that extends about 12 to 16 miles past the border. The paperwork for this can be filled out either at the point of entry or online before you leave.

United States' driver's licenses are recognized in Mexico, but you might also want to bring along an international driver's permit, which explains, in Spanish, that your license is valid. Your registration and insurance documents should also be along for the ride.

Will My Car Insurance Work in Mexico?

Mexico requires U.S. citizens to have an active liability policy for their vehicle when driving in the country. Your standard insurance policy likely doesn't cover Mexico, which means you'll have to add coverage before crossing the border. You can get a temporary policy if you're planning a one-off trip, and you can, of course, ask for more than just liability to handle perils such as fire and theft.

Temporary policies can be available at your point of entry, but they tend to be more expensive than pre-negotiating coverage with your existing insurer.

Special Considerations for Driving in Mexico

Every country has its own driving customs that can catch visitors by surprise. According to vacation website Trip Savvy, there's an expectation in Mexico that oncoming traffic will make room when someone pulls into your lane to pass another vehicle, potentially forcing you onto the shoulder in the process. Sometimes left-turn signals are used by traffic up ahead to indicate which side of the vehicle it's safe to pass as well as indicating a change in direction.

In terms of safety, attitudes toward the rules of the road can be more lax in Mexico than in the United States, and this can make driving at night more dangerous.

There are a few other things to consider. Mexico uses the metric system, which means fuel is measured in liters instead of gallons, and speed limits are shown in kilometers per hour. Regular and premium fuel are available at most gas stations, as is diesel. Your cell phone and GPS systems will work normally in Mexico, although your mobile carrier may charge you additional fees, depending on your plan.