Is an international driving permit mandatory?
Legal framework:
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is mandatory. 1949 Geneva Convention format — 1-year validity.
Rules of conduct in Mexico
Speed limit: 40 to 50 km/h in urban areas, 80 km/h on secondary roads, and 110 km/h on toll motorways (Cuota).
Blood alcohol level: varies between 0.4 g/l and 0.8 g/l depending on the Mexican states. The 'Torito' program (frequent night-time blood alcohol tests in large cities) punishes offenders with 36 hours of detention without reduction.
The use of cell phones is prohibited. If an accident involves injuries, the vehicle should not be moved until authorities and insurance representatives arrive.
Tips from easy-idp.org
"Driving is on the right.
The road network is divided into 'Cuota' (toll highways, safe and well-maintained, highly recommended) and 'Libre' (free roads, passing through villages, often in poorer condition).
The main danger in Mexico concerns 'Topes': extremely prominent speed bumps, often unmarked at the entrance to towns, requiring a crawl.
It is formally advised against driving at night on the free interurban network (safety risks, stray animals, degraded road surface).
In the city, turn signals are sometimes used by heavy vehicles to indicate that it is safe to overtake them."
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