Roadways and Conditions
Just like all other countries in the world, while driving in Mexico you will find well equipped with paved roads all over the country as well as rural, farming, off road adventures. Personally I am from Wisconsin and the entire country of Mexico, including dirt roads are often better than Milwaukee, WI.
- Highways: More often than not, the highways in Mexico will be toll roads. When you pay a toll, always keep the receipt. Part of the toll funds the Green Angles so if you happen to break down or get in an accident their number will be on that paper to call and it is usually, if not always, free.
- Rural Routes: Rural roads in Mexico vary in quality, from well-paved surfaces to rough dirt tracks. Many with limited signage, changing road conditions, and sizes it’s essential to drive cautiously. Not always big rig friendly.
- City Streets: City streets in Mexico can be bustling and busy, especially in larger urban areas. Watch out for one way street signs, topes, pedestrians, and cyclists.
Rules of the Road
- Speed Limits: Speed limits in Mexico are typically posted in kilometers per hour (km/h).
- Signage: Pay close attention and learn the road signs, which are usually in Spanish. Follow signs for directions, speed limits, warnings, and traffic regulations.
- Driving Behaviors: Observe local driving customs. Stay alert, use your indicators, and be prepared for unexpected maneuvers by other drivers. My favorite is this, all big rigs/semi’s will turn on their indicator to let you know when it is okay to pass them.
Driving Tips for Long Distances
Plan Your Route: Before setting out on a long drive, plan your route carefully, considering road conditions, rest stops, and fuel stations along the way. All too often, prior camps become closed or the access to the trail becomes blocked, be sure to have multiple camping locations saved.
Rest Stops: Take regular breaks to rest, stretch your legs, and refresh yourself. Mexico is excellent for driving as there are countless designated rest areas, gas stations, or roadside cafes for breaks.
Fuel Stations: Keep an eye on your fuel gauge and plan your to fill up at half a tank. Mexico has full service stations all over the country. If you need fluids or tires checked, the men and women working at these stations are highly qualified to get the job done.
Scenic Routes: My vote is always the scenic routes. Slow down and immerse in the beauty of Mexico’s landscapes, but be mindful of driving conditions and allow for extra travel time.
Safety
Can safety vary depending on your rig?
In a word: Yes. The larger the rig, the more at risk.
Why? The larger the rig, the more there is to steal. Simple as that. In my experience the country/rural roads are safer as well as give better views. In a big rig these roads can quickly become dangerous. Due to size, the toll roads are the logical option. However, it is more likely you will encounter theft on the toll roads.
Ask any semi truck driver, they live in the dangers. When driving a big rig, it is of the upmost importance that you plan your routes a little better, allow plenty of time to arrive to your camp in the daylight, and it is advised to have cameras.
What border is the safest?
Here is where my opinion differ from most. There are a lot of people who will drive hundreds of miles out of there way along the US border [arguably more dangerous] to reach a ‘safer’ border.
In my opinion, all border towns, no matter where they are in the world present a level of heightened concern where there is the most traffic there will be the most problems. It boils down to opportunity, criminals have always and will always be in places where the opportunity to gain is the highest.
As a solo woman, I have crossed in Tijuana, Tecate, Ciudad Juarez, Santa Teresa, and Chetumal several times. In my experience, the fastest and easiest to enter Baja is Tijuana and the fastest and easiest to enter mainland Mexico is Santa Teresa.
Highly recommend Santa Teresa over Ciudad Juarez, Santa Teresa has the Banjercito on site where as Juarez does not. Last time I crossed in Santa Teresa was a Sunday morning, there were 3 cars and the entire process took 15 minutes. No one looked at or in my truck or camper.
Crossing the border into Mexico is easier than crossing into Canada.
Enjoy your driving in Mexico, there is so much to see and always, watch out for topes!
Hey there! My name is Ashley and I am the adventurer behind the wheel of a Toyota Tacoma Overland rig, driving around the world with my four-legged bestie, Porter da explorer.
This once-in-a-lifetime adventure is not only fulfilling my dreams, but also paying homage to my late father. His free spirit of exploration continues to guide me every mile of the way.
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