Question about driving in Mexico

[Stojakapimp]

I'm taking a trip down to Mexico this coming weekend and wanted to know if I'm allowed to drive a friend's truck down there. I don't want to take my car because the roads will be a little rough, but I wasn't sure if I have to be the owner of the car I'm driving. And yes, I do plan on getting Mexican insurance. So does anyone know if this is legal?

Thanks

 

[AgaBoogaBoo]

legal or not, you better be careful, don't know what kind of cop you'll run into that may not listen to what you have to say.

Does anyone know what the cops in Mexico are like? I was going to say that you should make sure to keep extra bills incase they accept bribes.

 

[SoulAssassin]

Just don't hit anything/one.

 

[anxi80]

if you get pulled over just leave $40 on the seat when they ask you step out and it'll turn from illegal to legal really quick.

 

[JulesMaximus]

Don't break any traffic laws or you might find yourself in jail and never see your friend's truck again.

 

[moshquerade]

you can check out any time you like, but you can never leave.

 

[rbV5]

You're supposed to carry the vehicle title into Mexico and you need a notorized authorization letter from the vehicles legal owner (friend or his finance co).

 

[jjones]

From what I know, rbV5 is correct. It's been a while since I've driven over the border, but that's the way it was and it probably hasn't changed.

 

[bsobel]

Originally posted by: rbV5
You're supposed to carry the vehicle title into Mexico and you need a notorized authorization letter from the vehicles legal owner (friend or his finance co).

I live in Mexico in addition to San Diego, this is the best advice in the thread. Rumors withstanding, I've never had an issue in the Tijuana-Ensanda corridor even after years of trips down (I'm usually down at least once a week)

 

[scott916]

I've driven into Mexico a few times recently with just mexican insurance and my drivers license, but I'd take the precautions rbV5 mentioned. Although I had no problems, I haven't been since they changed the laws regarding passports and I'm a California resident.

 

[Demon-Xanth]

http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_970.html

 

[NoShangriLa]

Travel.state.gov -- TIPS FOR TRAVELERS TO MEXICO, Driving and Traffic Safety.

Tourists and residents alike should avoid driving alone at night anywhere in Mexico City.

Motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of death among American citizens in Mexico.

Public transportation vehicles, specifically taxis and city buses, often do not comply with traffic regulations, including observing speed limits and stopping at red lights.

U.S. driver's licenses are valid in Mexico. Mexican law requires that vehicles be driven only by their owners, or that the owner be inside the vehicle. Mexican insurance is required for all vehicles, including rental vehicles.

If you are involved in an automobile accident, you will be taken into police custody until it can be determined who is liable and whether you have the ability to pay any penalty. If you do not have Mexican liability insurance, you may be prevented from departing the country even if you require life-saving medical care, and you are almost certain to spend some time in jail until all parties are satisfied that responsibility has been assigned and adequate financial satisfaction received.

For additional information concerning Mexican driver's permits, vehicle inspection, road tax, mandatory insurance, etc., please contact the Mexican Secretariat of Tourism (SECTUR) at telephone 1-800-44-MEXICO (639-426), or its web site at http://mexico-travel.com. Consult with the Mexican Embassy or the nearest Mexican consulate in the United States for additional, detailed information prior to entering Mexico. For travel in the Baja California peninsula, travelers can also consult http://www.traveltobaja.net/.

If you have an emergency while driving, call the Ministry of Tourism?s hotline or (55) 5250-8221, extension 130/297, to obtain help from the ?Green Angels,? a fleet of radio dispatched trucks with bilingual crews.

I would leave the driving to the Mexican after reading the "Driving and Traffic Safety" tips.

 

[bsobel]

Originally posted by: scott916
I've driven into Mexico a few times recently with just mexican insurance and my drivers license, but I'd take the precautions rbV5 mentioned. Although I had no problems, I haven't been since they changed the laws regarding passports and I'm a California resident.

The passport changes current effect air and ship travel, not car. The car requirements go into effect (if not pushed back) next year.

 

[rbV5]

You only need a passport to travel to Mexico by air currently.

You can also post a bond in lieu of the paperwork, but I think its expensive.

My folks own a sailboat in Mexico (70' Ketch in Loreto, Baja) and live on it from September to June.

 

[Stojakapimp]

Originally posted by: Demon-Xanth
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_970.html

wow...well that pretty much says that I can't take his truck. That sucks

 

[rbV5]

Mexican law requires that vehicles be driven only by their owners, or that the owner be inside the vehicle.

Thats not true, you couldn't drive a financed car at all if it were.... but you do need a notorized letter from the legal owner on the vehicle title.

 

[bsobel]

Originally posted by: rbV5
You only need a passport to travel to Mexico by air currently.

Small correction: Air and sea.

 

[rbV5]

Originally posted by: bsobel

Originally posted by: rbV5
You only need a passport to travel to Mexico by air currently.

Small correction: Air and sea.

I "think" Land and Sea starts 1/1/08, unless I'm mistaken it is only for Air travel currently, land and sea require 2 pieces of ID like a Birth Certificate and Drivers License.

 

[NoShangriLa]

Originally posted by: rbV5

Mexican law requires that vehicles be driven only by their owners, or that the owner be inside the vehicle.

Thats not true, you couldn't drive a financed car at all if it were.... but you do need a notorized letter from the legal owner on the vehicle title.

The gov site need to be clearer with their wording.

Mexico Insurance Services -- Mexican Vehicle Permits for Driving

requirements for the permit include the original (or a notorized copy) and two photocopies of the following documents: valid proof of citizenship (such as passport, birth certificate, sworn statement, naturalization certificate and voter's registration), a Vehicle Registration Certificate or Vehicle Title or "Pink Slip" (vehicle registration must be in the drivers name), a lease contract if the vehicle is leased or a rental contract if it rented, a notorized letter of permission in case you owe money on the vehicle through a lien holder, a visa (FM2/3) or tourist card (FMT) for travel in Mexico.

 

[NoShangriLa]

Originally posted by: rbV5

Originally posted by: bsobel

Originally posted by: rbV5
You only need a passport to travel to Mexico by air currently.

Small correction: Air and sea.

I "think" Land and Sea starts 1/1/08, unless I'm mistaken it is only for Air travel currently, land and sea require 2 pieces of ID like a Birth Certificate and Drivers License.

New Travel Requirements for U.S. Citizens

* Beginning January 23, 2007, ALL persons, including U.S. citizens, traveling by air between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda will be required to present a valid passport, Air NEXUS card, or U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Document, or an Alien Registration Card, Form I-551, if applicable.
* As early as January 1, 2008, ALL persons, including U.S. citizens, traveling between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda by land or sea (including ferries), may be required to present a valid passport or other documents as determined by the Department of Homeland Security. While recent legislative changes permit a later deadline, the Departments of State and Homeland Security are working to meet all requirements as soon as possible. Ample advance notice will be provided to enable the public to obtain passports or passport cards for land/sea entries.

 

[bsobel]

Originally posted by: rbV5

Originally posted by: bsobel

Originally posted by: rbV5
You only need a passport to travel to Mexico by air currently.

Small correction: Air and sea.

I "think" Land and Sea starts 1/1/08, unless I'm mistaken it is only for Air travel currently, land and sea require 2 pieces of ID like a Birth Certificate and Drivers License.

Oops, I missed the push back. Carnvial is now saying June 09 for sea. I think things are still more in the air than I thought.

 

[AgaBoogaBoo]

Originally posted by: moshquerade
you can check out any time you like, but you can never leave.

hotel california maybe?

 

[rbV5]

The gov site need to be clearer with their wording.

No Kidding, the Mexican Foreign Ministry is even worse.

I'm not even "certain" notarized permission from the owner is going to work to be honest since you'll have no sales contract, no rental agreement or a registration in your name.

I'd be checking with the Mexican Consulate on this one.

 

[AgaBoogaBoo]

Originally posted by: rbV5

The gov site need to be clearer with their wording.

No Kidding, the Mexican Foreign Ministry is even worse.

I'm not even "certain" notarized permission from the owner is going to work to be honest since you'll have no sales contract, no rental agreement or a registration in your name.

I'd be checking with the Mexican Consulate on this one.

If you wanted to, you could pay your friend $10 or whatever for the use of it and ask him to print out a basic invoice for you. You can probably find some generic sales contract/rental agreement online that you could use. Have it signed by the both of you and then take that with you.

 

[Ophir]

I've driven to Cabo San Lucas, to Ensenada often (2-3 times a month in the summer/fall for Puerto Nuevo lobster), and driven from Mexicali to San Felipe once. I've never had any problems with the police. They stay out of your business if you follow the rules and don't make yourself noticeable. I've never even been pulled over, however, I've never driven a flashy car there. I've only driven on the baja side so YMMV.

When I drove to Cabo, I rented cars in Tijuana (at the airport) so we didn't need to worry about Mexican insurance or wear and tear. Having Mexico plates also seemed like a good way to remain inconspicuous. I have to say, though, the roads north of Ensenada are in good shape - some pot holes and unpaved sections but I wouldn't worry about wear and tear.