Driving to Mexico: Safety Tips and Border Crossings (What You Need to Know Before You Go)

Whether you’re moving to Mexico, heading to your winter home, or planning a road trip adventure, driving to Mexico can be an incredible experience—as long as you know the rules, routes, and safety protocols. This guide breaks everything down: the documents you need, the safest border crossings, what to expect at checkpoints, and road-safety tips once you’re inside Mexico.

1. Can You Drive to Mexico? Yes—But You Need the Right Documents

Before hitting the road, make sure you have all the required paperwork.

Required Documents

Valid passport
Valid U.S. or Canadian driver’s license (international license not required)
Temporary Vehicle Import Permit (TIP) if driving beyond the border zone
Mexican Auto Insurance (your U.S./Canada policy is not valid)
Vehicle registration
Title or notarized letter if the vehicle is financed or leased

You’ll also want:

Copies of all documents
Printed reservation for where you’re staying
Phone with offline maps

2. Do You Need a Temporary Vehicle Import Permit (TIP)?

A TIP is required if you plan to drive outside the Free Zone:

20–26 km from the border
All of Baja California
Parts of Sonora

Driving without a TIP in restricted areas can lead to your vehicle being confiscated.

Where to Get Your TIP

Online through Banjercito
At the border at a Banjercito kiosk

What You Need

Passport
Driver’s license
Vehicle registration
Credit card

The TIP is valid for as long as your residency/tourist permit is valid. You must cancel it when you leave Mexico—don’t skip this step.

3. Safest Border Crossings to Enter Mexico

While all major border crossings are operational, some are consistently considered smoother, faster, and safer for travelers.

Most Recommended Crossings (2025)

Texas

Laredo – Colombia Bridge (Puente Colombia / Laredo III)
Clean, organized, lower traffic, fewer commercial trucks.
Laredo – Juárez Lincoln Bridge (Bridge II)
Popular with expats; very direct.
McAllen / Hidalgo – Reynosa
Well-patrolled and efficient.

Arizona

Nogales – Mariposa (Truck Route)
Easiest access into Sonora and onto Hwy 15D.

California

Calexico East – Mexicali II
Quicker and less chaotic than San Ysidro.

These crossings connect directly with toll highways (cuotas), which are highly recommended for long-distance travel.

4. Toll Roads vs. Free Roads: Always Choose the Cuotas

Mexico has two types of highways:

Cuotas (toll roads) – safer, well-maintained, patrolled by the Green Angels
Libres (free roads) – more potholes, local traffic, slower, more hazards

Always use toll highways whenever possible.

They’re faster, safer, and offer better emergency services.

5. Safety Tips for Driving in Mexico

Driving in Mexico is safe when you follow practical precautions.

⏱ Travel Only During the Day

Avoid driving after dark outside major cities.

🚗 Stick to Toll Highways (Cuotas)

They have:

Fewer hazards
Better lighting
Faster emergency response

⛽ Fuel Up Frequently

Rural stations can be far apart. Aim for half a tank minimum at all times.

🔧 Know the Green Angels (Ángeles Verdes)

A free highway roadside assistance service
Dial 078 in Mexico
They can:

Change tires
Provide gas
Do minor repairs
Call a tow truck

💵 Carry Cash for Tolls

Most toll booths still do not accept credit cards.
300–800 pesos is usually enough for each major highway segment.

🚨 Expect Military & National Guard Checkpoints

These are normal and typically polite.
You’ll be asked:

Where you’re coming from
Where you’re going
What’s in the car

Remain calm and respectful.

6. Driving Through Mexican Cities: What to Expect

Topes (speed bumps)

Mexico LOVES speed bumps. Some are unmarked—slow down entering towns.

Left-Turn Signals

A flashing left signal can mean:

The driver ahead is turning left
OR they’re signaling you that it’s safe to pass

Proceed with caution and never assume.

Gas Stations (Pemex and others)

Attendants pump the gas
Say your amount clearly
Pay in cash or card
Tip 5–10 pesos

7. Overnight Stops: Best Places to Stay on Long Routes

If you’re driving deeper into Mexico, plan your route and overnight stops in advance.

Popular Safe Stops for Long Drives

Monterrey
Saltillo
Torreón (in well-rated hotels only)
Hermosillo
Los Mochis
Culiacán (only in major hotel zones)
Mazatlán
San Luis Potosí
Querétaro

Always stay in:

Secure hotel zones
Hotels with gated parking
Well-reviewed chains like City Express, Holiday Inn, One, Fiesta Inn

8. Bringing Pets to Mexico

You can drive with pets without much hassle.

You may be asked for:

Proof of vaccinations
Health certificate (often not required at land borders anymore)

Always bring:

Water
Bowls
Leash
Pet carrier

9. Returning to the U.S. or Canada

When leaving Mexico:

Cancel your TIP at Banjercito
Keep your receipt
Ensure no accidental overstays

Returning to the U.S. is usually quick at land borders, but expect waits during holiday seasons.

10. Final Tips for a Smooth Road Trip to Mexico

✔ Use toll roads
✔ Drive only during daylight
✔ Get real Mexican auto insurance
✔ Keep documents organized and accessible
✔ Download offline maps
✔ Bring pesos
✔ Know emergency numbers
✔ Stay in reputable hotels
✔ Don’t rush—Mexico rewards slow travel

Final Thoughts

Driving to Mexico can be an unforgettable experience—mountains, coastlines, small towns, and wide-open highways. With proper planning, staying on toll roads, and sticking to daylight travel, it is also safe and straightforward.

About the Author

Hi, I’m Matt from Nasplaya, your go-to guide for living, investing, and thriving in Playa del Carmen and the Riviera Maya. In 2008 my husband and I quit our jobs in Boston, Massachusetts, sold everything we owned and drove to Playa del Carmen, Mexico to start North American Standards (Nasplaya), our property management, vacation rental and real estate company. Now 17+ years later, I am sharing our experience helping expats and property owners navigate the local market. I share honest insights, practical tips, and insider knowledge to make your move—or your investment—a success.

From finding the best schools and maximizing rental income to understanding local regulations and uncovering hidden gems, my goal is to give you clear, actionable advice you can trust. When I’m not exploring the beaches or scouting the newest rental opportunities, I’m sharing stories, guides, and strategies that help you make the most of life in paradise.

Follow along for expert tips, local updates, and everything you need to live, invest, and enjoy the Riviera Maya to the fullest.

North American Standards (NAS Playa)
Property Management • Rentals • Real Estate
📍 Playa del Carmen, Mexico
🌐 www.nasplaya.com 🔑 Rentals: rentals@nasplaya.com
📊 Ventas: buy@nasplaya.com 🏘 Property Management: bookings@nasplaya.com