Mexican Travel Tips: How to Read Traffic Signs in Mexico

Driving to Mexico from the U.S. is a great way to explore the country without the constraints of schedules set by others. If you are thinking about or planning a drive to our southern neighbor, don’t worry. Thousands of Americans do it every year. 

There are some precautions you need to take — after all, you will be motoring about in a foreign country. Even though Mexico borders the U.S., it still has its own customs, language and traffic signs. No need to stress, however. Keep reading to find out more about how to navigate safely in Mexico.

Remember, your U.S. insurance will not cover you while you drive in a foreign country. Mexico requires you to purchase Mexican car insurance. You can find affordable Mexican auto insurance before you leave, giving you one less thing to check off your list.

The Basics of Mexican Traffic Signs

The good news: Many Mexico road signs are similar to the ones you see every day driving in your city. Another bit of good news is road signs here are heavy on images, rather than Spanish words you may not know. If you can puzzle out the message from the image, you’ll be in good shape.

Motorists in Mexico drive on the right side of the road — so that’s one less thing to stress out about if you are planning a car trip to our sunny neighbor to the south. You won’t have to learn how to drive on the left-hand side of the road. But you will need to have a basic understanding of the metric system, since distances are designated in kilometers. Here are some tips about driving in Mexico and basic road signs.

Prohibitive and Regulatory Signs: Do’s and Don’t’s

These are the signs it is important you pay attention to as you cruise through enchanting cities and towns on your dream vacation. You will find these signs, which are usually black-bordered, white background and heavily on the red circles and slashes. Also included in this list are speed limit signs. Let’s examine a couple:

·       Stop: Even if you do not learn any other Spanish words, learn that “ALTO” means stop. It looks very familiar to a stop sign in the U.S., as it is a red octagon.

·       Pedestrians not permitted: This one is not hard — it shows a figure walking in a red circle with a slash through it.

·       Motorcycles and cars not permitted: Again, fairly simple to understand since a car and a motorcycle are in the red circle with a slash through it.

·       Speed limit: This one is a little more important, because you will get stopped if you are breaking the law by speeding. This sign has a large number in the center of the red circle, for example 50, with a smaller “km/h” under, signaling the limit is 50 km/h.

·       No parking: Avoid getting your vehicle towed by not parking anywhere you see a red circle with a big black “E” in it with a red slash through it.

·       Right turn lane only: If you find yourself in a lane with a red circle and an arrow in black pointing to the right, you must turn right.

Keep in mind these signs are not suggestions — they are mandatory signs that you must comply with or face the consequences, such as getting pulled over, ticketed and possibly towed.

Informative Signs: Directions

Just like they sound, these road signs are intended to give you information about important directions, such as if you are heading to the harbor, general info about the road you are on and what is coming up. These signs are blue on the background and have white images and lettering.

For example, if you see a blue sign with what looks like a pine tree, you are heading towards a recreational area. Similarly, you may see one with a garbage can, so you’ll know where you can toss your trash.

Temporary Signs: Navigating Through Construction Zones

Just like in the U.S., road construction is an ongoing headache throughout the country. Keep an eye peeled for construction zone signs, which look very similar to the ones you are familiar with on your own roads and highways.

You’ll probably see a worker with a shovel on an orange background or the picture of a flagman if one is coming up on your route.

General Driving Safety Tips in Mexico

When you are visiting a foreign country, you’ll get a lot more help and forgiveness if you are nice to the locals. Driving in Mexico is going to be different than driving in the states, but if you take it slow and easy, bring your patience with you and stay calm, you’ll be fine. Here are a few additional details to keep in mind while heading out to your next fiesta:

·       Yellow lights mean stop, not slow down.

·       It is illegal to make a right turn on a red in Mexico.

·       Beware the “topes”. These Mexican speedbumps frequently appear out of nowhere and can take out your suspension if you don’t slow down.

·       Unlike in America, if you are hit from behind in Mexico, it will be your fault.

·       Always take the toll roads when you have that option.

Remember, having a partner on the road such as Sanborn’s Mexican Auto Insurance will smooth things over if you do have an incident. Be sure and check out downloadable apps that will make your road trip in Mexico easier.

Heading to Mexico Soon? Cover Your Vehicle with Sanborn’s

Ready to drive across the border for some fun in the sun? You’ll be motoring around like a pro in no time as long as you remain calm and obey the rules of the road. Just like here, it’s never OK to drive after you’ve had too much to drink.

Crossing your Mexican Auto Insurance off the list early is wise and gives you one less thing to think about before you leave. The professionals at Sanborn’s Mexico Auto Insurance have been helping travelers like you for more than 75 years. It’s easy to get a quote online, or you can give them a call at 800-222-0158 or simply stop by one of their offices on your way to the border (they are located in 3 bordering states).