Mexican Vehicle Permits

If you plan on driving around Mexico then you are going to have to be aware of Mexican vehicle permits. These permits are what determine where you can drive and what restrictions that are set on your vehicle. If you are going to Baja or Puerto Penasco it won’t matter about having a permit- they aren’t required. Mexico vehicle permits are heavily dependant on where you plan on driving and what part of the country you are going to. Here is a quick review of the different rules reliant on places:

• Border zone: If you want to drive into Mexico, but not go past the border zone, then it is completely legal- as long as you don’t cross the border. The border zone for Mexico is primarily 25 kilometers south of the United States/ Mexico border. Anywhere that is within the zone, you are allowed to drive without a permit.
• Baja Peninsula: If you plan on driving on the Peninsula you will need a tourist card but you won’t have the need to get a Mexican vehicle permit. If you are there for more then 72 hours you may be required to get a permit though.

Most of the other areas of Mexico require a permit so you’ll have to check with the point of interest before you get there. If you get stopped at any point without a permit then you’ll have to deal with the circumstances- which can sometimes mean being deported!

Mexico does have one vehicle regulation that allows visitors more freedom then they otherwise would have. This exception to the rule is known as ‘Sonora Only’ and it is for those visitors/ tourists who plan on staying in Sonora State only. This vehicle permit is a less documented permit that is completely free to those in Sonora. There is no requirement for a credit card and you don’t need to fill out the amount of paperwork that you would normally have to fill out. The only catch is that you are limited to your travel- Sonora only! These permits generally last for 180 days, so you’ll have to be aware of your time.

If you are going to get a Mexican vehicle permit you will need to take some documentation with you. Among the things you will need to bring are:

• Passport
• Citizen documents
• Drivers license
• Vehicle ownership documentation
To prove that you are in fact the legal owner of your car (in order to get a vehicle permit) you will need one of the following documents:
• Registration: Vehicle registration in your name that shows the car is under your care and is under your legal protection
• Company owned: If you are driving a business car or a company vehicle you will have to have proof of your business activities, which will often be in your visa or tourist card.
• Leased cars: Many people will rent a car in Mexico or in Texas and just drive past the border zone. If you fall into this category then you will need proof from the rental place.

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