Driving in Mexico Safety Tips - RV, Cars, Motorcycles
How and why to drive your car, motorcycle or RV in Mexico safely
Driving your car, Motorcycle, RV or auto and trailer to Mexico? Here are driving tips and safety tips about driving in Mexico by someone who drives Mexico.
Driving in Mexico is the best way to truly experience Mexico. Honestly, driving in Mexico is very safe. I've driven Mexico since '68 (19, not 18). Many of those who tell you it's not safe to drive your vehicle to Mexico have never driven or drove once and had a bad experience. I've driven in Los Angeles and had a bad experience, but don't warn you not to drive in L.A. (though praying helps). Whether you're driving to Mexico or driving in the USA, make sure your USA insurance is up-to-date with free USA auto insurance quotes. (For Mexican auto insurance, please see the link here).
First of all, driving to Mexico is still safe and recommended. If you write to ask me that question, I won't bother to answer as it means you did not read my site. I take a couple of long driving trips in Mexico every year, usually 3,000 to 5,000 miles in different parts of the country. I check my car when I get back and have yet to find one single bullet-hole. Now and again, I end up going with a client that I feel good about. Want to go? Write me. My main concern is that it be someone who is flexible and willing to adapt to a changing itinerary.
You will find several different products relating to driving in Mexico (maps, road logs, Mexico travelogues or roadlogs) on my shopping cart, as well as a description of my trip-planning services to help you get the most out of a driving trip to Mexico.
I've gotten some of my best information about out-of-the-way hot springs and little-known hideaways because I was driving by asking Pemex attendants, waiters at highway restaurants and truck drivers. When you drive, you really see Mexico. These driving tips for Mexico will help you have a safe and enjoyable trip. Driving safely in Mexico is a matter of defensive driving (gringos shouldn't try to drive offensively). But, the biggest safety tip of all is to get Mexican auto insurance from one of the I recommend. Border crossing times for all gateways are at the It's a cool driver's tool, but useful only to give you an idea of what times are busiest at what Mexican US border crossings.
RV Driving In Mexico
Thousands of RV's and trailers drive to Mexico every year. Thanks to the toll roads, driving your RV in Mexico is not much different than driving in the USA -- it just costs more. But gas prices are generally cheaper and diesel cost is way cheaper. See diesel and gasoline prices in Mexico. There are plenty of RV parks in on the Pacific Coast of Mexico and in colonial Mexico. There aren't as many RV parks on the Gulf Coast of Mexico, or even in the Yucatan, although there are enough.
Night Driving
Don't drive at night on the two-lane roads. There is a lot of loose livestock and I have yet to see a cow equipped with tail lights. My tip for driving at night is - DON'T. On the toll roads (which are as good as or even better than those in the U.S. or Canada), I have relaxed my stance on night driving.
Left Turn Signals
On the open road, a left turn signal is an invitation to the guy behind you to pass. Trucks and busses frequently turn their left blinker on to guide you around them. I trust them, but use common sense. Sometimes they have optimistic views of your acceleration capabilities. Don't use your left turn signal on a two lane road when you are about to pass. You might get hit. A few readers have pointed out that on the toll roads, people use turn signals as they do here. My advice -- use 'em as you are used to on toll roads, but don't expect the other guy to do the same.
Left Turns
When there is a left turn lane, there will usually be a left turn arrow. Look for 4 lights on signal. You MUST wait for arrow.
Right Turns
Right on red is usually not OK, unless there is a sign saying that it is. More and more, is it accepted. I have been honked at by locals when I wait for a green light. What to do? If there isn't a cop nearby, (and the coast is clear) I turn.
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