Road safety in Mexico

Cheryl · 2025-07-16T06:42:29+02:00

Discover essential road safety tips for expats in Mexico. Share experiences on traffic rules, road conditions, and safety advice for families.

Cheryl Moderator

Member since 15 October 2018

CherylModerator16 July 2025 04:42:29

13893

Hello everyone,

Navigating roads and experiencing traffic in Mexico as an expat can be a learning experience. We invite you to share your insights in order to help other expats and soon-to-be expats stay safe on the road in Mexico, whether driving, cycling or just crossing the street.

Are traffic rules strictly respected or enforced in Mexico?

Are there any unspoken rules, unexpected habits or regulations that you had to adapt to?

Are the roads safe and well-maintained?

Are there specific times of day, weather conditions, or seasons that make driving more dangerous?

If you have children, do you feel comfortable letting them travel alone on local roads, whether on foot, by bike, or motorbike?

What are your tips or advice to stay safe on the roads in Mexico?

Share your insights and experience.

Thank you for your contribution.

Cheryl
禁漫天堂 Team

CasaNaranja New member

Member since 08 September 2018

CasaNaranjaNew memberToday 14:01:04

I have found that, overall, drivers are very courteous-especially along two lane highways. You will generally find that slower moving vehicles will often drive half on the shoulder to give you room to pass. Beware, however, that the same thing is going on in the oncoming lane so you may have two vehicles side by side for a moment driving towards you.

On larger, multi lane, highways, you may encounter overhead signs with names of cities and arrows. These can be tricky as a straight arrow may continue straight or exit abruptly toward the city mentioned. This is tricky because those signs do not indicate which direction or highway number you are on, just the destination city. Even with GPS taking the right exit or staying on the correct road can be tricky.

Also, GPS is a must for large city driving. If you get turned around, you will generally find yourself in a maze of one way streets and dead ends.