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The Truth About Driving a Car Into Mexico

By Jim Labelle

Republish: EasyPublish™
Published: 21Nov2010
Word count: 686
Viewed: 193 time(s)

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There are many horror stories floating around the web about how dangerous it can be to drive a car into Mexico. While fear based stories about travel to Mexico appeal to readers and sell ads, they rarely hold more than a grain or two of reliable truth. It's true that driving can be dangerous anywhere in the world, especially when you are unprepared or find yourself in the wrong place at the wrong time. Just like anywhere, Mexico has some dangerous zones, but in its over 3,000 miles of highways, these dangers are few and far between. Prepare yourself by knowing what to expect on your Mexico road trip and your adventure should be problem free.

Car Insurance

The first thing you can do to prepare for your road trip to Mexico is purchase a Mexican auto insurance policy for your vehicle. You can browse online and find a policy that works for you. Once you purchase your policy you will need to print it out. You will need to show your policy to the officials at the border when you cross in order to get your vehicle registration. A good insurance policy will protect you and your vehicle while you are in Mexico. There is always the possibility that you will encounter problems when you are on a road trip. Anything ranging from an unfortunate accident to a car theft is possible. When you have the right insurance policy, an inexpensive solution is a certainty.

Drivers License and Passports

If you are driving a car across the border into Mexico you will need to have a valid driver's license. In addition, as of March 1, 2010, anyone entering into Mexico needs to have a valid passport. This includes young children. In the past this was only required when entering into the interior of Mexico but now it is required even to cross into the border zone. Be sure and be properly prepared with proper identification before you reach the border to avoid the disappointment of being turned away after a long wait in line.

Vehicle Registration

Depending on where you travel in Mexico you will need to get your vehicle registered with the country of Mexico. If you are traveling into the Free Zone of Mexico this is not a requirement. All you need to show is proof of vehicle registration in the United States or Canada, your drivers' license and proof of Mexican auto insurance. The Free Zone includes all of Baja California and the part of the State of Sonora that is west of Mexican Highway 15 all the way to the town of Guaymas. If your travels will take you into Mexico's interior, you will need to get a vehicle permit for your car.

Despite what others may tell you, an official vehicle permit can only be obtained at the border and not in the interior of Mexico. While you may be able to drive through the border without obtaining one, because of the free zone, you will have to return to the border to get the permit if you want to continue past the free zone. This can be a real issue, as some will tell you that you can get the permit at any immigration stop. Not so!

In order to obtain a vehicle permit you will need to show the above listed documents plus pay a fee at a Mexican bank. You will also be asked to put down either a cash deposit or credit card. To avoid penalty fees, you must check back in at the border when you leave Mexico to turn in your vehicle permit, otherwise you risk a hefty fine (hence the credit card hold). Your cash deposit will be returned when you turn in your vehicle permit.

Mexico roads are no more dangerous than roads anywhere else as long as you are properly prepared, avoid dangerous areas and drive safe. Don't let rumors and exaggerated stories keep you from experiencing the beauty and wonders of the open roads in Mexico. Be safe and be prepared and your Mexico road trip could be the trip of a lifetime.

Written by: http://www.Mexpro.com For a free, no obligation coverage analysis and quotation, with the option to purchase and print your policy online, please visit http://www.mexpro.com .

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