Driving in Mexico Refresher
Tara A. Spears
Any time that I’m out of Mexico for more than a week, I have to reorient myself to driving in this country. As thousands of seasonal residents and visitors arrive to enjoy Mexico’s warmer climate, excellent food (beer) and fun lifestyle, they take to the roads. Just a reminder of the three big differences to help you acclimate: topes, checkpoints, Spanish road signs.
I love literally everything about driving in Mexico- yep, even mordida (traffic bribes)- except topes. Whoever invented this insidious vehicle buster is on my bad list. The Mexican road engineer that installed the first ones in 1903 had to be a sadist. I understand the concept that a speed bump is meant to slow down traffic to make it safer but I always hit them too hard. I’m sure that it is a Freudian slip that I continually forget the ones in Jaltemba Bay… it doesn’t make the tope go away but it does damage my low riding car. 
There is a wide variety of tope styles with each one worse than the other. Topes are EVERYWHERE in Mexico, with most unmarked. Driver beware! I’ve arranged photos from easiest to killer. It takes practice to figure out when to apply the brakes before the speed bump in order to gently roll over it.
Sure, every country has DUI checkpoints randomly, but Mexico takes mandatory driving stops to the next level with its frequent military checkpoints. If you are traveling by car in Mexico, expect to see several along both highways and secondary roads. However, as long as you don’t have any guns or drugs in the car, you should have no worries. Do not even joke about having drugs to the young soldiers searching your vehicle unless you want to go to jail. Do not even think about blowing past the checkpoint- at the least you will be chased or worst case scenario, shot at.
Military Checkpoints in Mexico are roadblocks with shaded canopies, tents, observation station and banks of sandbags. If you are asked to pull over the first thing to remember is to remain calm. These are the Federalistas, whose job is to prevent the dissemination of drugs, arms and ammunition. Also some checkpoints in Mexico they are searching for fruit and vegetables or sometimes meat and eggs that a particular state doesn’t want entering their area. These soldiers are very young, but they are well-trained, polite and know their jobs.
Most checkpoints are manned by military personnel, and may be semi-permanent or temporary installations. Checkpoints can appear at any time of the day and night, and may stop every vehicle, which causes some congestion and back up. Some checkpoints may only pick and choose among the vehicles for those which are likely to be used by the cartel. Be sure to pay attention to the flagman to see if you are selected for inspection.
In most cases, you will only be stopped for a few seconds to a few minutes, depending on whether the soldiers decide to check your luggage area. Make sure that you have all the required travel documents, including your passport, driver’s license and Mexico car insurance. Do not have any opened bottles of beer or any alcoholic drinks, guns or other types of arms. Do not have drugs or ancient artifacts or specific types of wood, unless you have a license to transport them. Drivers are allowed to carry prescription drugs for medical conditions. You cannot bring medical marijuana.
Your vehicle is required to stop at checkpoints and you will be questioned. They’ll want to know where you are from and where you are going. The soldiers may not let you take photos of them- I tried to take pictures for the article but they confiscated my camera and I was detained until the officer deleted all my photos. You may be asked to open the trunk, glovebox, suitcases, etc. The search usually takes less than a minute. On the other hand, the Federales (blue squad cars) usually are very personable and will joke around with you. Feel free to offer them a soda if you like.
I hope that if you plan to drive in Mexico that you would have dusted off your google translate in advance- those white road signs do mean something! The biggest difference in the ubiquitous sign is that the actual sign is placed after the intersection in which you should stop before. In other words, stop prior to the sign which is radically different than NOTB driving regs. Another source of almost accidents is remembering to be on the far right lane in order to turn left- I still miss so many left turns and have to waste time turning around to be in the proper position for a turn. Fortunately, a frosty Margarita calms frazzled nerves after a driving trip. You should be able to click on the following posters to enlarge them.
White background Road Signs in Mexico and Their English Equivalents
Spanish English
Precaución extrema: orilla peligrosa Extreme caution: dangerous shoulder
No se estacione en curva Don’t park on a curve
Termina acotamiento Shoulder ends
Carreteras limpias son mas seguras Clean highways are safer
Precaución: maquinas trabajando Caution: machinery working ahead
Cinturón de seguridad obligatorio Use of seat belt mandatory
No maltrates las senales Don’t damage road signs
Precaución: zona de derrumbes Caution: landslides possible
No circule por acotamiento Don’t drive on shoulder
Con niebla o lluvia enciende sus luces Turn on lights when foggy or rainy
Carril izquierdo solo para rebasar Left lane for passing only
Principia tramo de cuota Begin toll road
No deje piedras sobre el pavamiento Don’t leave rocks on highway
Use acotamiento para emergencia Use shoulder for emergencies
No exceda los límites de velocidad Don’t exceed speed limits
Transito lento carril derecho Slower traffic use right lane
No tire basura Don’t litter
Lastly, Mexico has a wonderful service for anyone driving on federal and toll roads throughout the country, the Angeles Verde roadside assistance. Put this number in your cell to have it assessable in case of emergency. The 24-hour toll-free number for the Green Angels is 01-800-987-8224. In case of emergency, you can also dial 078. The Green
Angels service is similar to the United States’ AAA but all motorists are helped.
The Green Angels trucks are on the roads carrying tools and spare parts, looking for motorists in trouble. The Angeles Verdes will provide mechanical assistance, first aid, basic supplies, and towing. In addition, they also have a communication network with different government offices and offer basic tourist information. They will fix or tow your vehicle for free, however if a part is required then you will have to pay for that. Even though the services are free tipping is extremely appreciated. If your vehicle breaks down, pull over to the side of the road and lift the hood to signal them. This is when saving your toll receipt will come in handy for directing them to your location.
They are a lifesaver for vehicle breakdowns.
Welcome back to all! Enjoy your motoring around Mexico while keeping ‘Tope! Tope!’ in the back of your mind. It’s a beautiful country for a road trip.
