In addition to federal laws, each state in the country sets its own driving rules. For example, some states have strict seat belt laws for all passengers. Others only require them for front seat occupants. Speed limits can also vary on similar types of roads in different states, but generally most daily rules do not directly conflict with each other because there are safeguards – such as federal frameworks, codes and administrative oversight – to prevent this.
Go to Mexico, where the legal system is completely different and things are changing. Mexico, like the United States, has regulations at the federal and state level. However, there is no authority to align US and Mexican laws. What is legal with Uncle Sam can quickly get you into trouble in Mexico. It’s a similar story with US driving rules that can get you a ticket in Canada. So if you’re planning a trip south, remember these four U.S. driving rules that will help you get a ticket in Mexico.
In Mexico it is often illegal to turn right on red
For most U.S. drivers, RTOR (Right Turn On Red) regulations mean they can freely turn through red lights after coming to a complete stop, but only if the turn is clear of pedestrians and oncoming traffic. While RTOR is somewhat restricted in places like New York City, Seattle, and Washington, DC, most states allow it.
In Mexico it is not so clear whether you can turn right on red. Some states allow it, but it is not common in the same way as in the US. For example, in Sinaloa, RTOR is treated the same as in the US. In the state of Tamaulipas, RTOR is only allowed if there is a clear sign indicating so.
In Durango – the state, not the Dodge Durango that was recalled due to a rear spoiler that could fly off – right turns on red are strictly prohibited. Because clear directions for turning right on red are difficult to find in the Mexican states, it is safest to wait for a green light.
Mexico has harsher penalties for drunk driving
The legal blood alcohol content (BAC) limits in the US and Mexico are also different. Granted, there are also notable differences between US states, but the 0.08% limit is the recognized federal standard. Some states go a step further and impose stricter penalties for elevated BAC levels.
For example, New Jersey is starting with increased penalties of just 0.10%, Washington DC has higher penalties of 0.20% and 0.25%, while several states are considering lowering the blood alcohol limit altogether. While it also varies by state, in Mexico these numbers can be even lower, sometimes at 0.04 or 0.05%. The difference between the US and Mexico is in the treatment of open alcohol containers in a vehicle.
In Mexico, the rules for open containers can be much stricter. It all depends on the state in question and the usual police procedures. According to the US Embassy in Mexicoit is illegal to possess open alcohol containers in moving vehicles, and violating this can even lead to an arrest. Being arrested in the US simply for having an open container in a car is unlikely, as many states consider this a misdemeanor and not a misdemeanor or criminal offense.
In Mexico, everyone in the car must wear their seat belt
According to estimates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), only 76% of adults sitting in the back seat use seat belts, compared to 92% in the front seat. This is partly because enforcing rear seat seat belt regulations is considered a so-called “secondary enforcement” in some states.
This essentially means that police officers can only issue a citation for a second-row seat belt violation if the driver has been pulled over for something else. In other words, an officer cannot pull over a vehicle because the back seat passengers do not have seat belts. Furthermore, these rules also vary widely across state lines. This is one reason why the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) wants seat belt warnings for all passengers.
In Mexico, everyone in the car must wear seat belts while the car is moving. So if you’re from a US state where rear seat belt regulations are particularly lenient, be aware that this could lead to a fine in Mexico. Again, if you want to avoid getting a ticket, make sure everyone is wearing their seat belt when the car is moving.
In Mexico you need Mexican car insurance
If you’re planning a driving trip to Canada but are concerned about whether your U.S. auto insurance policy will provide coverage, rest assured: most U.S. auto insurance policies provide coverage while driving in Canada. However, if you are planning a car trip to Mexico, you will need an insurance policy from a Mexican provider, as a US insurance policy usually does not suffice.
Practically speaking, this means that if you are involved in an accident without Mexican insurance, the authorities may even arrest you. In addition to purchasing a Mexican insurance policy, it is also highly recommended that you purchase bail bond coverage.
It’s also worth noting that Mexican authorities may not be as lenient on disorganized or missing documents as your local English-speaking officer. Therefore, make sure that all your insurance papers are neatly organized and ready to present at all times – including digital versions.
#Driving #Rules #Ticketed #Mexico #Jalopnik