Driving in Mexico — International Driving Permit guide
Mexico flag

Driving in Mexico

Explore Mexico with your International Driving Permit. Discover local attractions, scenic routes, and unique driving experiences.

Photo: Jezael Melgoza / Unsplash

Quick Facts

IDP Status
IDP Required
Driving Side
Right

Speed Limits

50
Urban
50 km/h
90
Rural
90 km/h
120
Highway
120 km/h

Country Travel Guide

Mexico dazzles with ancient civilizations, colonial cities, beach paradises, and one of the world's great cuisines. From Aztec and Maya ruins to vibrant modern culture, this vast nation offers incredible diversity.

Mexico City, one of the world's largest cities, built atop the Aztec capital Tenochtitlan, offers the National Museum of Anthropology (world's finest collection of pre-Columbian art), historic Centro Histórico, and Frida Kahlo's Blue House in Coyoacán. The floating gardens of Xochimilco provide colorful traditions.

The Yucatán Peninsula combines Maya heritage at Chichén Itzá, Tulum, and Uxmal with Caribbean beaches of the Riviera Maya and Cancún. Cenotes (natural sinkholes) provide unique swimming experiences.

Colonial cities like Oaxaca, Guanajuato, San Miguel de Allende, and Morelia showcase Spanish architectural heritage with vibrant local cultures. Oaxaca provides Mexico's most distinctive regional cuisine.

Baja California's dramatic desert coastlines offer whale watching, wine regions, and the resort of Los Cabos. Puerto Vallarta and the Pacific coast provide alternative beach destinations.

Mexican cuisine, recognized by UNESCO, encompasses far more than tacos—mole sauces, regional specialties, street food, and mezcal traditions create endless culinary exploration.

Driving in Mexico is on the right with toll roads (cuotas) often preferable to free roads (libres). An International Driving Permit is recommended. Road conditions vary; avoid driving at night in rural areas.

Top Driving Destinations

1
Capital City
2
Coastal Areas
3
Mountain Roads
4
Historical Sites

Driving Tips

Always carry your IDP along with your national license
Familiarize yourself with local traffic rules
Check insurance requirements when renting a car
Observe local speed limits

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an IDP to drive in Mexico?

Yes, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is required to drive in Mexico. The IDP works alongside your national driving license.

Which side of the road do they drive on in Mexico?

In Mexico, traffic drives on the right side of the road.

What are the speed limits in Mexico?

Speed limits in Mexico: urban areas — 50 km/h, rural roads — 90 km/h, highways — 120 km/h.

How do I get an IDP for Mexico?

You can get your IDP online through our website in just a few minutes. You'll need a photo and your national driving license details.

Ready to travel to Mexico?

Get your International Driving Permit in minutes and start exploring!

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Useful Information

Country CodeMX
Drive onRight
IDP StatusRequired
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