TIPS FOR TRAVELERS WHO DRIVE TO MEXICO

Recent incidents involving U.S. citizens who were injured in traffic crashes in Mexico have highlighted the significant differences between the legal systems of Mexico and the United States. If you are involved in a motor vehicle crash in Mexico, it is likely that you will be detained until fault can be determined by the local authorities. If you are in need of medical attention, you will generally be taken to the closest medical facility for treatment while the authorities investigate the incident. If you are found to be at fault, you will be required to demonstrate financial responsibility, and post a bond to cover the estimated costs, before you will be released. Financial responsibility can be demonstrated in one of two ways:

• possession of cash ( usually between $5000 - $10,000) or
  
  
• possession of automobile insurance which is issued through an authorized Mexican insurance company
  
  
• THE AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE THAT YOU HAVE FOR DRIVING IN THE UNITED STATES WILL NOT SATISFY THIS REQUIREMENT.

  In order to minimize potential problems while driving in Mexico, it is suggested that you adhere to the following tips:

• Always obtain Mexican automobile insurance to cover LIABILITY and LEGAL ASSISTANCE. Such coverage is readily available from several established firms in San Diego County, at a cost of about $12.00 for one day, with decreasing rates for longer stays.
  
  
• If you stay in Mexico for longer than 72 hours, you must have an FM-T tourist permit. Such permits now cost 170 Mexican pesos, valid for up to six months, and can be obtained at a Mexican Consulate or at the border. Failure to obtain such a permit may invalidate your Mexican insurance.
  
  
• If it is determined that the consumption of alcohol or drugs contributed to a traffic crash, your Mexican insurance will not be valid. Don’t drive while even slightly "under the influence"
  HAVE A DESIGNATED DRIVER.
  
  
• It is STRICTLY FORBIDDEN to bring firearms or ammunition into Mexico. If you do so, and you are caught, you will go to jail. If you plan to hunt in Mexico, visit the Mexican Consulate to obtain necessary permits.
  
  
• When driving in Mexico, remember that speed limits are posted in kilometers per hour rather than miles per hour. Obey the speed limits and other traffic controls, even if it seems that everyone else totally ignores them.
  
  
• If you are on a motorcycle, remember that Mexico has a helmet law.

Remember, you are visiting another country. Respect and obey their laws, just as we expect visitors to our country to obey ours.

Should you experience an emergency while traveling in Mexico, the following are various agencies which may be contacted for assistance:

United States Consulate General Tijuana

Binational Emergency Medical Care Committee (BEMCC)

(619) 425-5080 (24 hours / 7 days)
492 Third Avenue, Suite 205
Chula Vista, CA 91910

Services provided to persons experiencing a serious medical emergency while in Mexico and needing assistance to return to the United States for medical care. Volunteers assist in arranging medical transportation and will make arrangements at the receiving hospital in the United States. Annual memberships are available for $25, but not required to obtain services.

When calling from Mexico, call collect and immediately notify the operator that your call is an emergency.

Baja Safari Mexico Club

1-888-411-BAJA (2252) (24 hours / 7 days)
223 Via de San Ysidro, Suite 6
San Ysidro, CA 92173

Membership travel club with toll-free emergency and non-emergency phone service from Mexico to the U.S. office. Annual membership available from the U.S. office at $33 or $25 online at http://www.bajaheadquarters.com

Among various travel services, access to discount Mexican insurance products, provides emergency Mexican road and medical assistance, travel planning and with extended services of medical evacuation / repatriation, emergency and non-emergency reimbursement benefits and expanded legal assistance.

Green Angels

Ensenada – (617) 646-85
Tijuana – (66) 24-34-79

The Green Angels are a federally sponsored organization that patrols Meixco’s main highways from 8 am to 8 pm. The Green Angels are trained mechanics who are also trained in basic first aid and carry oil, gasoline spare parts, tools and communications capabilities. You will only be charged for the equipment used; ie gasoline or spare parts, not for the mechanics services. The Green Angels get their name from the green and white trucks they drive.

Attorney General for the Protection of Tourists

State Tourist Assistance Offices are located in major towns and cities throughout the Baja peninsula. If you need legal aid or wish to register a complaint, bilingual staff in these offices will be able to assist you during regular business hours

Other Information Resources

The Auto Club of Southern California has additional information regarding legal and insurance issues in Mexico on their web site at http://www.aaa-calif.com. This information can be accessed without being a member.