Mexico has harsh laws when it comes to its citizens driving foreign vehicles within its borders or across the border. The rules surprise the average U.S. citizen (and Mexican citizens not familiar with the law) and can make a huge dent in your pocketbook, or worse, you could lose your vehicle permanently.
There are three reasons why you shouldn't allow a Mexican citizen to drive your U.S. plated vehicle,unless you, as a U.S. citizen, are in the vehicle too.
Reason #1: Mexican Insurance
Check to be sure your Mexican insurance company will cover Mexican licensed drivers. Some do and some do not. Mexican insurance is a specific insurance program for tourists and visitors.
Baja Bound's policies, underwritten by HDI Seguros and Chubb Seguros, do allow Mexican licensed drivers, but the primary driver listed on the policy must be a U.S. citizen.
Important: Although some Mexican policies do cover Mexican licensed drivers, it is important that a U.S. citizen is still present in the vehicle. The Mexican authorities in Northern Baja have been cracking down on Mexican citizens driving U.S. plated vehicles without a U.S. citizen inside the vehicle. Vehicles have been confiscated and insurance does not cover this risk.
Reason #2: Mexican Customs Law
The most surprising reason is in regards to Mexican customs law. As is common knowledge, a U.S. citizen may freely cross into Baja with a U.S. plated vehicle. However, if a Mexican citizen crosses into Mexico with a U.S. plated vehicle and there is no U.S. citizen in the vehicle, there is a chance that Mexican customs officials will notice and send the Mexican citizen to secondary inspection. Upon checking documentation, if the Mexican citizen does not present U.S. documentation, the vehicle will be permanently confiscated by Mexican customs with very little chance of recovering it. In addition, the Mexican citizen will incur a huge fine of 80% of the vehicle's value. This fine must be paid or it will be on the Mexican citizen's record.
This may sound unbelievable, but it happens. A look into Mexican customs law helps one understand how the situation is viewed by Mexican customs and the reason behind the fine. When a Mexican citizen drives into Mexican territory with a U.S. vehicle and no U.S. citizen in the vehicle, Mexican customs sees this as attempting to smuggle the vehicle into the country. Since the vehicle is viewed as "contraband" it will be confiscated just like they would confiscate any other type of contraband. Being that it is illegal to bring contraband into the country, the offender will have to pay a fine. In the case of the vehicle, it will be 80% of the vehicle's value.
Important considerations:
- Confiscated vehicles are permanently placed in a gated and secured lot and will not be removed. Once the vehicle has been confiscated and paperwork completed, there is almost no chance of recovering it.
- Mexican lawyers have very little influence. A Mexican lawyer may be hired, but unfortunately the way the law is written, the chances of recovery are slim to none.
- Mexican insurance policies do not cover this risk as it is considered an illegal introduction of the vehicle into Mexico.
Reason #3: Other Mexican Authorities
Mexican authorities, such as transit authorities can impound a U.S. vehicle driven by a Mexican citizen without a U.S. citizen present. If this happens, you may get the vehicle back by having the owner present himself with the vehicle title before the authorities.
FAQs
Yes, it's true that a Mexican citizen can drive a U.S. plated car, as long as the U.S. citizen is present in the vehicle, too.
Can you drive in Mexico with a US license plate? ›
The short answer to the titled question is yes, it is safe to drive in Mexico with US plates. No major issues will present themselves.
How long can a Mexican vehicle be in the US? ›
Conforming vehicles so imported may remain in the U.S. indefinitely once a formal entry is made for EPA purposes. Nonresidents may import a vehicle duty-free for personal use up to (1) one year if the vehicle is imported in conjunction with the owner's arrival.
Can I insure a Mexican car in the USA? ›
Insurance for Mexican Cars in the U.S.
You must have insurance for your Mexican car to legally drive it in the U.S. Mexpro's liability and medical policies allow you to purchase for one-day up to one year, allowing you to pay only for the coverage you need.
Can a Mexican citizen drive into the US? ›
Mexican nationals are required to present a valid passport and visa or BCC when traveling to the United States by land.
Can I cross a car to Mexico with temporary plates? ›
It is legal to travel in Mexico with current temporary U.S. tags. However, there are a few things to keep in mind. If you do not have either the appropriate tags or the appropriate registration on your car, you might not be able to obtain a temporary vehicle importation permit to drive past the border free zone.
Can I legalize a car from Mexico to US? ›
Once you have imported your car from Mexico, there are some more steps you'll have to take to get legal. Start by getting insurance on the vehicle. Then, take all your paperwork to the State DOT office and apply for registration. At that time you'll have to pay any state taxes and fees associated with the registration.
Can I bring a engine from Mexico to US? ›
The Clean Air Act prohibits importation into the United States of any motor vehicle, motor vehicle engine, nonroad engine and equipment that does not conform to the EPA emission standards and requirements.
Can I drive in California with Mexican plates? ›
The owner of any vehicle, other than a commercial vehicle, of a type subject to registration which is registered in a foreign jurisdiction may operate the vehicle in California until the owner accepts gainful employment in this state or establishes residency in this state, whichever occurs first, provided the vehicle ...
Can a US citizen get Mexican health insurance? ›
The Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social or IMSS is Mexico's national healthcare program. Foreigners who are living and employed in Mexico are eligible for IMSS coverage. It is a popular resource for working expats with a temporary or permanent residency visa.
If you'll be driving in Mexico, even for a short time, auto insurance is required by Mexican law, and you could end up in jail if you're involved in an accident and don't have it.
Is my car insured if I drive to Mexico? ›
Standard U.S. auto insurance policies won't cover drivers south of the border, so it's vital to purchase Mexican car insurance before making the trip.
Can I legalize my US car in Mexico? ›
If you are entering Mexico as a Permanent Resident, you may not bring a foreign plated car into Mexico on a TIP. Instead, you must nationalize the car. Nationalizing the vehicle gives you permission to keep it in the country indefinitely.
Can a foreigner drive my car USA? ›
You may drive a car in the United States for one year using an International Driver's Permit (IDP) and a driver's license from your home country. Getting an IDP is the simplest way to be licensed to drive in the United States. You must get your IDP in your home country before arriving in the United States.
Can you use a US driver's license in Mexico? ›
When visiting another country as a U.S. citizen: Your state driver's license is valid while driving in Canada and Mexico. In other countries, you may need to get an IDP for foreign drivers.
Can I tow a car into the US from Mexico? ›
Towing a car from Mexico to the U.S.
You or the person crossing with the vehicle must be present with the car when it gets to the border checkpoint, either by riding with the driver in the tow truck or following directly behind in another car.
