Thinking about renting a car or scooter in México? Here are a few things that may help you better enjoy your experience. As long-time ATV owners and recent car owners we are still learning a lot.

There are plenty of speed bumps to varying degrees. Most are not visibly marked, so good luck! We’ve hit our fair share of these at uncomfortable speeds. Many of the speed bumps are falling apart with exposed rebar mixed in with broken and semi-patched up concrete. Treat these as stop signs until you’re sure that the transmission won’t fall out the bottom of your vehicle if you pass over a bump at 5 miles per hour.

The roads in general are a little rough. Sunken sewer covers, pot holes, and neighborhood-instigated construction projects are all some of the things you have to dodge while driving. Keep an eye out for small crews of one or two people fixing pot holes with minimal warning that they’re working in the road. The stop lights will flash green before turning yellow or red. Thank goodness the government where we live is finally putting forth a tremendous effort to repair the roads.

Vehicles have no problem driving two feet behind you. These drivers aren’t trying to offend you, it’s how the normal way to operate a car, truck or motorcycle. You just have to get used to it. And if you are riding close behind another vehicle be aware that they may not have brake lights, or may not signal before turning or pulling some probably illegal u-turn. I would guess that the percentage of vehicles with no working brake lights at 50%, and with only one working brake light at 25%, so there’s a good chance the car in front of you won’t give you a visual warning when they slow down for that speed bump.

Turn signals and emergency flashers can be used for a variety of reasons. A left turn signal could mean the car is turning left or they want you to pass them on the left. We haven’t figured it out yet. Don’t make any assumptions.

One way streets are optional. Pedestrian-only pathways are optional. We’ve even driven our ATV on these and no individual has ever said a thing to us about it. Although we once got stopped by a “rogue” police officer that demanded we pay him a fine for driving the wrong way.  Another time a police officer chastised me for barely driving down a one way road. We’ve generally had only good experiences with the police in Mexico. But if you do get pulled over they are going to want you to pay the fine there, rather than write you a ticket. Chances are you did break a law, so barter it down as low as you can and be on your way. Shoot for a 100 to 200 peso bribe (mordida). If you pay more than 500 pesos then that cop may keep an eye on you for the rest of your vacation!

Stop lights are optional. Generally on the busier roads the vehicles will stop for them. But the majority of the lights are considered yield signs. I’ve often stopped only to have several vehicles behind my drive around and turn left or continue straight. And many drivers know when the light will turn green and be halfway through the intersection by the time the light changes.

The number of lanes on the road equals the maximum amount of vehicles that will fit side by side. One ATV and two small cars or one big truck and a motorcycle. If it fits then it works.

Parking. Fortunately we haven’t seen any parking meters here in México. And finding a spot to park your vehicle usually isn’t too difficult. The hardware store may only have three spots in front, and if you are picking up a sink that can be a bit of a pain in the ass to park 100 yards down the street. If you do get one of those three spots then you may come out with your sink and another vehicle parked right behind you. And in town if there is space for a vehicle then you don’t need to worry about someone ticketing or towing your vehicle. Overall people are pretty good natured and patient about where you park your vehicle.

Traffic can come to a stop for a variety of reasons. But usually it’s when a taxi drops someone off, a vehicle stops to pick something up from a building, a car or truck stops to talk to a pedestrian, or a big truck decides to make a U-turn, presumably to save gas. Many of these activities could be done without disrupting traffic by simply pulling over to the side of the road, yet it seems lost on the operators of these vehicles. Where we live a flashing green light means a 5 to 10 second yellow and then the light turns red. For some reason they have the yellow light, but don’t use it.

There is no spanish word for jaywalking. People do not only cross at the crosswalks. I have told my wife that I can’t drive and chew gum at the same time. I’m too focused on watching for pedestrians!

Gas stations can sometimes be hard to find. They are all full-service stations, so remember to tip your gas pumper. Also, confirm the type of gas needed for your vehicle and the side your gas cap is on before driving off for the first time.

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Sometimes people throw trash out their vehicle windows like we still live in the 1950’s. It’s frustrating. But we’ve been told that the times are slowly changing. 

We would advise against renting a vehicle in Zihua. It’s not needed, unless you plan on doing a lot of traveling or weekend trips outside the city. You can take a taxi anywhere you want to go for less than the cost of a rental. Bus service is plentiful. Save the stress and leave the driving to someone else.