Driving & Safety Tips in Mexico
- Traffic violation laws vary from state to state.
- Remember, you may request a written ticket from police officers in Tijuana, Rosarito, Ensenada and Mexicali and mail your fine from the U.S.
- Speed limits are stated in kilometers (1 mile = 1.6 kilometers).
- Yellow lights are a signal to stop, not just to slow down.
- You can get a citation for taking a right on red, although you will see many drivers doing it anyway.
- In many cases, the “fast lane” is a passing lane only. You should move back over into the slow lane once you pass someone.
- Lanes can merge much quicker (with not much time to merge).
- Construction sites can come upon you suddenly with little warning.
- Using a cell phone while driving is a traffic violation in Baja California.
- Watch for cross walks, in many areas pedestrians have the right-of-way.
- Driving boundaries or “comfort zones” are smaller, people will drive closer.
- Take notice of the vehicle’s brake lights in front of you, many times they do not function.
- Vigilance of the roads is necessary to avoid animals, people, and other obstacles.
- It is wise to avoid driving at night.
- The Green Angels (Angeles Verdes) patrol the toll roads to offer free roadside assistance.
- If you need roadside assistance or other travel information in the Mexican Republic contact the Travel Services Hotline.
- If you are involved in an accident or your vehicle is stolen, you must contact Adobe Transportation before leaving Mexico and as soon as possible after the accident or theft occurred.
Gas Stations Pemex, Petroleos Mexicanos, is the state’s oil company with franchises throughout the country. These stations are generally full service (tips are appreciated) and many do not accept credit cards so make sure to have enough cash. Watch the attendant to make sure that the pump is zeroed out before the attendant pumps the gas. Some attendants will try to pull a fast one and pocket the difference. Gasoline is sold in litres (1 gallon = 3.79 liters) and Pemex sells three different types:
Pemex Magna is unleaded gasoline – 87 octane.
Pemex Premium is unleaded gasoline – 93 octane.
Pemex Diesel for diesel engines.