Driving in Mexico: Lessons Learned for Family Road Trips

After driving in Mexico for almost 2 months as Americans, we had some adaptions we had to make. We are a family of 4 who are traveling internationally and rented a car while we were in Mexico. Read more for what we learned.

Unwritten Rules of the Road

One of the first things we learned: Don’t turn right on red unless it’s clearly allowed by signage. This might feel natural to do, but trust me, it’s not worth it. We tried it, thinking we were blending in with the locals, and it landed us in trouble. Even though locals may drive however they want, resist the temptation to do the same. Stick to the rules—especially when you’re driving somewhere unfamiliar.

When you’re on roads with fewer cars, you may feel like you’re sticking out, but stay calm and go the marked speed limit. It’ll save you some stress. Also, motorcycles and road bikes love to lane-split, so stay aware of what’s happening around you. And don’t forget: pedestrians always have the right of way. They cross whenever and wherever they please—it feels like you’re playing a game of Frogger at times!

City Streets and Cobblestones

Driving in colonial towns like San Miguel de Allende is a whole different experience. The streets are slow-moving, with speed bumps everywhere, many doubling as crosswalks. As a pedestrian, it feels super safe, but as a driver, it can be nerve-wracking keeping an eye out for people crossing constantly.

Oh, and cobblestone roads—charming, yes, but also a bit rough on your car. We’ve rented two cars here, and both had that persistent rattling sound, probably from all the bumps. It’s just something to keep in mind if you’re planning to stay in one of these beautiful towns for a while. Drive slowly, and be ready for a bumpy ride.

Driving the Yucatán Peninsula: Bumpy but Beautiful

Driving along the Yucatán Peninsula (especially between Tulum and Bacalar) is a whole different beast. On single-lane roads, you’ll notice the shoulder often becomes an extra lane to allow people to pass. It feels strange at first, but honestly, it helps with the flow of traffic. However, watch out for potholes—big ones. Seriously, you’ll find yourself zig-zagging down the road just to avoid them. If you hit one, you could end up with some serious car damage.

We quickly learned that night driving is a no-go on the Yucatán Peninsula. The car rental company warned us, but after our first day of dodging potholes, we got it. There are also drunk drivers to worry about at night, so it’s just safer to stick to daytime driving. And while you might think a drive along the coast means beautiful views, the truth is that most of it is blocked by massive hotels and resorts. The views are not the highlight of the drive, but it’s not a big deal—just something to keep in mind.

Family-Friendly Travel Tips for Driving in Mexico

Here are a few tips from our experience to help your family road trip go smoothly:

• Stay alert for lane-splitting motorcycles: Motorcycles and scooters love to weave between cars, so always check your mirrors and be aware.


• Cobblestone streets: They’re charming but tough on your car. Go slow and prepare for a bit of a bumpy ride.


• Speed bumps as crosswalks: Many towns have speed bumps that also serve as crosswalks, so always watch for pedestrians.


• Watch your speed: Stick to the speed limits, even when it feels like you could go faster.


• Avoid night driving: Especially on the Yucatán Peninsula—those potholes are nearly invisible at night, and the risks aren’t worth it.


Other Tips for Families Driving in Mexico

• Renting a car: If you’re planning to drive for a while, get something sturdy that can handle rough roads. A good suspension is your best friend.


• Navigation: Google Maps worked well for us, but download offline maps just in case your signal drops in more remote areas.


• Breaks: Plan for rest stops. If you’re driving with little ones, find spots where they can stretch their legs, whether it’s a local plaza, park, or roadside café.


• Essentials: Don’t forget to pack plenty of snacks, water, and entertainment for the kids. Long stretches without services can make for cranky passengers!


Final Thoughts: Drive Safely and Enjoy Mexico

Driving in Mexico definitely has its quirks, but with a little patience and preparation, it can be a fun adventure for the whole family. Stick to the rules, stay aware, and embrace the journey. Whether you’re cruising through the colonial streets of San Miguel or dodging potholes along the Yucatán coast, you’ll find that driving in Mexico adds to the experience of exploring this beautiful country with your family.

More on the Blog:

Explore Guanajuato as a family.

Breaking down the cost of 1 week in Mexico City.

Is Tulum and Playa del Carmen Safe for families?