Navigating Road Rules: Can a Fresh Mexican PR Cruise Baja in Their US-Plated Car
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I was granted permanent residency in Mexico this year and do not currently reside in MX. It's my understanding that as a permanent resident its not legal for me to drive a foreign plated car in Mexico. However, can I legally drive my foreign plated car in the "free zones - Baja, specifically in MX, using my US drivers license?
Many thanks!
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Hi there, I have the same questions as you. It is my understanding that permanent residents can drive foreign plated vehicles in areas in which there is no Temporary Import Permit (TIP) required, such as all of the Baja peninsula and other free zones. It is also my understanding that it is okay to drive with your US license -- in fact, to drive a US-plated car you should have a US DL. Having said this, though, I have also read that you are limited to 30 days to have your US-plated car in Mexico but have not verified that. I have heard this law is not enforced...but I am hoping to be there for 2 months and not willing to have my car confiscated so... I plan to make the drive at the end of the year and will surely verify all this as the time draws closer. I am not in a rush to do it now because laws can change at any time and I want to be sure I meet the most current requirements. As I am sure you know, you will need Mexican insurance to drive your car in Mexico and I've been told that "good" insurance companies should know the rules. I'll keep you updated on my research...probably in October or November. If you plan to travel before then, you might check in with the people at https://www.bajabound.com. They are most recommended in the groups I follow.
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Hi, and great question. Okay as Susan said, it's also my understanding that the law isn't inforced around the Baja region. There are so many tourists and the region relies on tourism, so they tend to let it slide. However, please do your due diligence because there's always that chance that something can happen so I would suggest joining a couple of the expat groups on Facebook and asking the question of people that actually live there for an up to date answer of how things are right now.
Hope this helps,
Bel - Mexico Correspondent.