DRIVING IN MEXICO 

Expressway is "autopísta" but Mexicans just call them "Cuotas" (tolls). 

Raya Continuoso = A solid line indicates no passing allowed in one or both directions. 

Ceda El Paso  = "Yield Right Of Way" 

Curvas Peligrosas = "Dangerous Curve". 

Poblano Proximo = Town Near 

Glorietta is the circular traffic flow around a statue. In all cases traffic flow revolves Counter-Clockwise 

Vado = dry washes that cross the road.  During rain, they can flood in minutes. 

Un Sentido =  One way street

Doble Sentido means "Two Way Street"

Desviacion =  Detour.

Alto = Stop

Salida = Exit

Ganado = cattle

Topes = speed bump (can be very big)

Estacionamiento = parking

Military And Police Check Points

México uses its Army and Navy as "National Police". Occasional checkpoints (called retenés) are encountered. They are looking for narcotics and illegal firearms. Some brand-new tourists fret when they encounter "Teenage kids carrying machine guns". Relax -- those kids are the same ages as our uniformed teenagers and they too are professional soldiers. The kids have to maintain an image of "Macho" by wearing stern expressions. In truth they are young men separated from their families by thousands of miles (they are never stationed close to home). In the "unseen" war on drugs in México, these young men are risking their lives in remote areas when you are safely tucked in your bed at night. After a brief look inside your car or RV, they will waive you on to proceed. A kind Hola (hello) or bien diez (good day) when you encounter these checkpoints is always helpful.

Gasoline Stations

There is only one brand to choose from (Pemex) and prices are uniform throughout the country. Stations are not referred to as "Estacions de Pemex" by the way. The are called Gasolinerias (gah-so-leen-AHR-ee-ahs). Overhead signs are white on Green. Underneath the logo are additional color-coded signs depending on of the stations sells other fuel besides regular unleaded Magna Sin. A Black sign announces the presence of Diesel fuel, while a red sign indicates that Premium unleaded is available. Don't bother looking for the price, which is available only on the pump. Pemex is a government monopoly -- they don't need to entice customers.                                                           

DRUNK DRIVING:  
Drunk driving is punishable and if caught, you will end up in a Mexican jail for an indeterminate period of time until you have sorted your mess out. Your Mexican Auto Insurance will deny your claim if you have been driving under the influence.

FIREARMS:  
The Department of State warns US citizens against taking any type of firearm or ammunition into Mexico without prior written authorization from the Mexican authorities. Entering Mexico with a firearm or a single round of ammunition carries a penalty of up to five years in jail, even if the firearm or ammunition is taken into Mexico unintentionally.

Unless you prepare ahead, you may have difficulty bringing computers or other expensive electronic equipment into Mexico for your personal use. To prevent being charged an import tax, write a statement about your intention to use the equipment for personal use and to remove it from Mexico when you leave. Have this statement signed and certified at a Mexican consulate in the United States and present it to Mexican customs as you enter Mexico. Land travelers should verify from Mexican customs at the border that all items in their possession may be legally brought into Mexico.

Left Turns - On some roads you must exit to the right onto a lateral (side) road and then turn left, across oncoming traffic when it is safe. (In otherwords, you can't sit in the middle of the road with a left-turn signal on to "legally" make a left turn, as in the United States, if there is any traffic immediately behind you).

Right Turns-   Right on red is usually not OK, unless there is a sign saying that it is.  

What if I have a traffic accident in Mexico? Dial the number 066 to notify the municipal police. Ask that a report be made. You can call the Tourist Assistance Hotline at 078.
1. Do not remove the vehicle from the accident unless asked by the police.
2. Go with the accident investigator to the corresponding police station.
3. You have the right to call your vehicle insurance company (U.S. and Mexican)
4. If someone is injured no matter how slight, the one who does the injury must present himself to the State DA’s office.
5. If no one is injured, the parties to the accident can go before a judge to make an agreement concerning payment for repairs and avoid going to the State DA’s office.

What if a Mexican police officer issues me a traffic ticket? The Mexican traffic system requires that you follow the police officer to the police station in your own car. This is not a hint for a bribe, it is standard procedure. Would you do otherwise if a U.S. police officer instructed you to follow him downtown? It is also standard procedure for the officer to take your drivers license or to state you need to see the judge. At the police station, you go to the ticket infraction window where the officer writes up your ticket and you pay the cashier and are given a receipt. If the amount of the ticket seems high or you are innocent, you can ask to see the judge who will sometimes authorize a discount. You can contact the local Sindicatura office to determine that a police officer is following the correct procedure.

Where to Park and what to do if my car is towed According to Chapter IV, Section 73 of the Reglamento de Transito Para el Municipio de Ensenada, Baja California: Red Curb means parking is restricted at all times. White Curb means parking is for loading and unloading passengers of public vehicles exclusively (not passenger vehicles) Yellow Curb means that the parking space is private and enforcement is left to the discretion of the owner. Blue Curb can be either a loading zone or handicap space (if it has a wheelchair symbol) Green Curb allows parking during specific times only and has a sign that gives the times. If your car is towed, you will have to go to the Oficina de Transito to get your car “liberated” (solicitor la liberacion). You will need to show an original and one copy of your car title, photo ID, and a copy of your parking ticket which shows the fine. The fine is paid at the Departmento de Control de Infracciones. Parking fines can range from $15.00 to $50.00 USD. You will also have to pay $40 to $50 for the tow truck fee. After you pay the fine (“multa” in Spanish), you take the receipt and show it to the guard at the impound lot (Corralones). Stickers are generally placed at doors, hood, windows and trunk to show there was no tampering. Be careful where you park to avoid all this.