8 Mexico Road Rules That Will Shock First-Time Riders
- Antonia Issa
- Sep 8
- 6 min read
Updated: Sep 9
Introduction
Riding through Mexico is an exhilarating experience, but the roads offer a bit of a learning curve (pun intended!), since the rules and riding habits can be quite different from what you may know in Canada or the U.S.. Here’s a simple guide to help you navigate Mexican roads confidently — happy riding!
1. Roundabouts: Embrace the Circle
Roundabouts — or glorietas — are everywhere in Mexico, especially in city centres. And if you're, quite rightly, thinking, "I've been through many roundabouts on my trips, I think I know how they work..." I get it. But stay with me — I might still surprise you.
Let’s start with the universal basics:
Yield Before Entering: Always give way to traffic already circulating.
Signal Clearly: Use your indicators when exiting to inform others of your intentions.
Stay Alert: Watch for pedestrians, cyclists, and animals who might be crossing at exits.
Now, here are my personal Mexico-specific rules.
Find a rhythm of movement: If you’ve ever skipped double dutch as a kid, you’ll know what I mean. As you approach the entrance of the glorieta, pay attention to the rhythm of the cars going through. People in Mexico have a tendency to accelerate like IndyCar drivers the moment they hit that roundabout. Any “laid back” Mexican culture is left in the dust—prepare yourself!
Lanes no longer exist: Anything regarding lanes is a moot point. A car will enter in the far left lane, and exit immediately. Someone on the far right will cruise the glorieta 3 times before exiting. Let go of what should happen in different lanes and give everyone space.
Don’t forget to breathe: I have a tendency to hold my breath through roundabouts. I don't recommend this, breathing is more in line with maintaining one’s life.
Use all signals: even when others don’t. Blinkers, horn, arms, legs - shake what your mamma gave you!
2. Merging on and off Highways: The Mexican Way
Merging in Mexico can be an art form. Here’s what to watch for:
Merging onto a highway: Sometimes there’s an acceleration lane (most intuitive), but sometimes there’s a stop sign. If traffic is clear, most locals treat that stop sign as more of a suggestion. Shoulder check, assess your gaps, and go — just be sure you’re not accelerating into someone already stopped in front of you. Merging off a highway: The first thing to note is that exits might be on the right or left. A right-lane exit often takes you onto a parallel road. Do a right shoulder check — cars sometimes blast through at full speed. A left-hand exit, be mindful of everything from crawling tuk-tuks to cars doing 150km/h. Stay alert.
3. The Art and Etiquette of Passing
Passing etiquette in Mexico has its nuances:
If a vehicle in front in the right lane signals left, they may be telling you it’s safe to pass — but always double-check.
Slower traffic often straddles the shoulder (marked by a solid or dotted line) as long as it’s clear. This is meant as a courtesy to allow you to pass without having to go into oncoming traffic.
This behaviour makes double passing possible (and terrifying): one on the shoulder, one overtaking in your lane, and one more overtaking the overtaker in oncoming traffic. It’s quite the sight!
Let’s talk about that oncoming traffic... If a driver in oncoming traffic is attempting a pass or double pass— move right. DO NOT stand your ground. Yes, it’s your lane, but no, it doesn’t matter. Flash your high beams if you wish, but let them through. Safety first, ego second.
Passing on curves. I don’t recommend it, but watch out as it happens often.
Passing on speedbumps (topes) is a great way to get ahead of slow traffic on smaller highways, but only once you have mastered the tope acceleration strategy.
Be safe and pass on the left only unless it’s very obviously ok to pass on the right. Sometimes it’s tough to see what’s ahead and if someone is moving slowly in the left lane, there might be a reason.
Passing on long straight uphills - do it, this is often the best chance to overtake slow semi trucks.
4. Speed Limits: Often a Suggestion Until They’re Not
Speed limits in Mexico are posted in kilometres per hour and can vary:
• Urban Areas: Typically 40–60 km/h.
• Main Roads: Around 70 km/h.
• Highways: Up to 110 km/h.
However, enforcement can be inconsistent. While many drivers exceed the speed limit, it’s crucial to adhere to them, especially near schools, hospitals, and pedestrian zones, where enforcement is stricter.
Personal Tip: I learned that while locals might treat speed limits as suggestions, tourists can be held to stricter standards if they are pulled over. Better to play it safe and stick to the posted limits.
5. Parking: Deciphering the Codes
Parking in Mexico? Watch the curbs - they’re colour-coded!
Curb colours:
Red = no parking, no stopping — just don’t.
Yellow = Usually no parking, but you do see it from time to time. If you see lots of parked cars, go for it. But when in doubt, avoid!
White or unpainted = Usually fair game, unless it’s a yellow or red zone where the paint has faded or peeled off. Check the whole street and try not to be the only vehicle on the block.
Blue = Handicapped parking only.
Red Circle with an ‘E’ and a Slash = “No Parking” (Estacionamiento Prohibido). I initially thought it meant “No Entry” due to the ‘E’.
When I’m travelling solo and fully loaded with gear, I try to park with a clear line of sight to my bike - even when I’m just stopping for a bathroom break or a quick taco. Ask locals, often they will show you a good little spot!
Overnight parking
While Mexico gets a bad rep, I’ve felt safer here than in parts of the U.S. or Canada. That doesn’t mean I abandon all common sense or don’t pay attention to security.
When I park overnight, I try to find a secure, covered spot monitored by security or a camera. I unload my bike as I don’t have hard lockable panniers. I use a disc lock and also cover my bike with an old sun-bleached motorcycle cover because “out of sight, out of mind” is, in my opinion, the best approach to keeping my bike safe and secure.
Family-run hotels will often have secure parking or know someone nearby who does — just ask. The internet doesn’t hold all the secrets in Mexico— people do. Once, a pharmacist offered my friend and I his gated driveway and gifted us sunglasses the next morning. No charge. These magical moments in Mexico are why I keep coming back.
6. Toll Roads (Cuotas) vs. Free Roads (Libres)
There are two types of highways you can ride in Mexico: Cuotas (toll) and Libre (free). I recommend using a mix of both.
Cuotas are generally better maintained and safer—but often lack shoulders or emergency services tailored to motorcycles.
Libres are more scenic and have more local flavor but include all the sketchy stuff: trucks, livestock, topes, potholes and pedestrians.
Most toll booths don’t accept cards, so always carry cash in small denominations. I use a leg bag with a coin purse for quick access. . A tank bag is also effective.
7. Military and Police Checkpoints
They’re common and normal, especially in border states and coastal areas. When you encounter one, slow down, smile, be polite and have your documents easily accessible.
They will likely wave you through, but they may ask to see your papers or even want a quick look in your luggage.
8. Additional Road Rules and Differences
• Right on Red: Generally yes, unless there’s a sign that says not to.
• Retornos: U-turns are facilitated by designated retorno lanes, especially on highways.
• Road Signage: While many signs are universal, some are in Spanish. Familiarize yourself with common terms like “Alto” (Stop) and “Ceda el Paso” (Yield).
Conclusion
Riding in Mexico is an enriching experience filled with lessons and stories. By understanding and respecting the local road rules and culture, you can ensure a safe and memorable journey.
Remember: When in doubt, observe local drivers, stay cautious, and embrace the adventure!
