Car speed limits in Oaxaca (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: The 1973 traffic regulation, which remains in force where it does not conflict with the current traffic law, sets a maximum of 30 km/h in the towns of Oaxaca. Drivers must slow to 10 km/h when passing schools, hospitals and similar gathering places. No figure for roads outside towns was found.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Built-up areasPassenger car on public roads | 30 km/h maximum in the towns of the state; the Secretaría de Vialidad y Transporte may set other speeds with signs [1] |
| Built-up areasPassenger car on public roads; In front of schools, hospitals, places of entertainment and other gathering places while they are attended | 10 km/h when passing schools, hospitals, places of entertainment and other gathering places during the hours they are normally attended [1] |
| Outside built-up areas (single carriageway)Passenger car on public roads | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| MotorwaysPassenger car on public roads | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| School zonesPassenger car on public roads | 10 km/h when passing schools, hospitals, places of entertainment and other gathering places during the hours they are normally attended. [1] |
Notes
- The Ley de Tránsito, Movilidad y Vialidad (2016, consolidated to September 2025), third transitory article, keeps the 1973 Reglamento in force where it does not conflict with the Act until a new regulation is issued. The Ley de Movilidad (2023 consolidation) sets no speed figures. Municipal regulations and signs were not checked.
Sources
- Orden Jurídico Nacional (Secretaría de Gobernación), copy of the state text (Oaxaca): Reglamento de la Ley de Tránsito Reformada del Estado de Oaxaca (published 31 March 1973; Art. 123 reformed P.O. 22 August 2012; last reform in the copy 22 August 2012) (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
National rules that also apply
These rules are set at national level in Mexico and apply here too, alongside the rules above. All national rules for Mexico
| Built-up areas (Federal roads) | 50 km/h (source: Diario Oficial de la Federación (Secretaría de Gobernación)) |
|---|---|
| Outside built-up areas (single carriageway) (Federal roads) | 100 km/h by day, 90 km/h at night (source: Diario Oficial de la Federación (Secretaría de Gobernación)) |
| Outside built-up areas (dual carriageway or expressway) (Federal roads) | As signed, up to 110 km/h. Where no sign sets a limit: 100 km/h by day, 90 km/h at night. (source: Diario Oficial de la Federación (Secretaría de Gobernación)) |
| Motorways (Federal roads) | As signed, up to 110 km/h. Where no sign sets a limit: 100 km/h by day, 90 km/h at night. (source: Diario Oficial de la Federación (Secretaría de Gobernación)) |
| Roadworks zones (Federal roads) | Drivers must obey the signs, devices and red-flag signals placed at roadworks on federal roads. Disobeying them is fined 20 to 30 times the daily quota (cuota diaria). (source: Diario Oficial de la Federación (Secretaría de Gobernación)) |
More rules in Oaxaca
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 18 (permit from 16)
- Using a mobile phone while drivingHolding a phone while driving banned: Banned · Hands-free use: Hands-free or speaker only
- Seat belts and child seatsSeat belt compulsory in front seats: Yes, drivers and passengers · Seat belt compulsory in rear seats: Yes, drivers and passengers
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.