Guatemala Mexico
Guatemala 
MexicoLast reviewed July 2026
Crossing the border
The Ciudad Hidalgo–Tecún Umán crossing is the main route from Chiapas into Guatemala.
Driving rules in Mexico
- Mexican liability insurance is mandatory and sold by rental desks.
- Topes (speed bumps) are frequent and often unmarked.
- Avoid driving at night outside cities.
- 0.08% alcohol limit, strictly enforced.
What to see when you arrive in Mexico
- the Maya ruins of Chichén Itzá
- the beaches of Cancún and the Riviera Maya
- Mexico City's Zócalo and Teotihuacán
- the cliffs of Tulum
- the colonial city of Oaxaca
Once you're driving in Mexico
Destination-specific detail sourced from national road authorities, motoring clubs and rental policies — the things that catch cross-border drivers out.
Driving on a foreign licence
Tourists may drive on a valid foreign licence for the length of their tourist permit (FMM), up to 180 days. An International Driving Permit is generally only needed if the licence is not in the Roman alphabet, but rental firms often ask for one.
Tolls & road charges
Major highways are tolled (casetas de cuota) and clearly signed with a free 'libre' alternative; pay cash in pesos or by card at staffed booths, or use a TAG/IAVE electronic tag. Costs vary widely, often 30-200+ pesos per booth on long intercity routes.
Parking in the cities
Central CDMX and other cities use metered 'parquimetro' zones (ecoParq) paid by app or kiosk; illegally parked cars can have a wheel clamp ('arana') fitted or be towed. Use guarded lots ('estacionamiento') where possible.
Fines & camera enforcement
Transit fines (multas) for speeding, phone use or no seatbelt are issued by city/state police; some are camera-based with the rental firm passing on charges plus a fee. Be aware that requests for on-the-spot cash from officers are a known shakedown ('mordida') and you may instead ask for the official ticket.
If you have an accident
Call 911 for emergencies. Do not move the vehicles and do not admit fault; wait for your Mexican insurer's adjuster (ajustador) and the transit police, as US/Canadian policies are invalid and proof of Mexican liability insurance is mandatory.
Driving in the capital
Mexico City enforces 'Hoy No Circula': foreign-plated cars are treated as Hologram 2 and barred one weekday plus all of Saturday, and from 05:00-11:00 on weekdays. Tourists can get a free 14-day 'Pase Turistico' exemption to display in the windshield.
Sources: mexperience.com · sanborns.com · angloinfo.com · internationaldrivingpermit.org