It’s no secret that people visit Mexico to have a good time–and that good time, sometimes, involves alcohol. Cities like Tijuana, Rosarito Beach, Cabo San Lucas–these places draw vacationers from all over the world. There are lots of bars, clubs, and events where the alcohol flows quite freely. If you are driving to Mexico and plan to operate your vehicle during your getaway, you need to be aware of Mexico’s drinking and driving laws–and how drinking can affect–and negate–your Mexican car insurance.
Driving Drunk Is a Criminal Offense
Just as in the U.S., drunk driving in Mexico is a criminal offense that can land you in jail. In most Mexican states, the limit for blood-alcohol level is 0.8, but in states like Veracruz, Jalisco, and Chihuahua, that threshold is even less. If Mexican police suspect that you are driving under the influence of alcohol, they can pull you over. At that point, they can administer a breathalyzer test. Drunk driving is a serious offense in Mexico. In fact, if you have a drunk driving conviction in your history, you may even be denied entry to Mexico.
Driving to Mexico?
Driving Drunk Can Negate Your Mexican Auto Insurance
In order to drive legally in Mexico–anywhere in Mexico, including the border areas–you need to have Mexico auto insurance. However, there are various ways that you can negate your insurance and drunk driving is one of them. Your Mexico auto insurance provider will not cover you, for instance, if you have crashed your vehicle and have been found to be over the legal limit for alcohol consumption.
Don’t Drink and Drive in Mexico
If you plan to do your fair share of partying in beautiful Mexico, be sure that you park your vehicle and leave it alone. Don’t operate it if you are drinking. If you’re in one of Mexico’s popular tourist towns, take taxis to reach your destination. If you plan to drink and party in Mexico, it’s safest to confine your good time to your resort or a club. You don’t want to be caught stumbling around Mexico’s streets as public drunkenness is an arrestable offense–and you can also leave yourself vulnerable to theft if you are roaming around while under the influence.
You can have a great time in Mexico, enjoying its famous tequila, celebrated beers, and upscale wines. However, be sure that you don’t get behind the wheel of a car when partying or you can risk jail time.
It is better to ride a taxi when going home when you’re drunk to prevent accident.
Agree
Mexico is really great place! It’s best to take a taxi when drunk, it’s really big trouble when facing DUI cases.
Great idea, even Uber is available in most parts of Mexico now.
Drunk driving is a choice, and I agree that driving is a privilege, not a right. Each individual must be responsible and plan a designated driver or arrange another safe way home. It is better if someone we know drinking and not letting that person get behind the wheels. These actions may save someone’s life.
Agree!