Rules and laws in Mexico (2026)
Last reviewed: 10 October 2026
Every topic we cover for Mexico. Each rule links to its official source.
Driving
Car speed limits
On federal roads and bridges, including federal motorways, signs may set a car limit of up to 110 km/h. Where no sign sets a limit, a passenger car may do 50 km/h on urban roads and 100 km/h by day or 90 km/h at night on highways. Drivers must obey signs and flaggers at roadworks. Other roads are governed by each state's traffic rules.
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Drink-driving limits
Federal roads in Mexico have a limit of 0.8 g/l blood alcohol (0.08%) for private drivers and 0.3 g/l for federal freight and private transport drivers. Breaches bring a fine, removal of the vehicle and referral to the federal prosecutor. Other roads are covered by state and local rules not shown here.
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E-bikes and speed pedelecs
Federal law treats a bicycle assisted by a low-power motor that cannot exceed 25 km/h as a non-motorised vehicle, and exempts such vehicles from registration. Traffic regulations, including minimum age, helmets and use of cycle paths for cyclists, are set by the states and municipalities, so no single national rule is stated.
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Minimum age for a car driving licence
Driving licences for private cars are issued by each state and by Mexico City, which set their own minimum ages and rules for minors. No national minimum age for a car licence was found in the federal traffic regulation for federal roads.
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Seat belts and child seats
On federal roads and bridges, the driver and all passengers of a motor vehicle must wear the seat belts fitted, and children under 7 in cars and vans must travel in the rear seats. The fine is 20 to 25 times the daily quota, which equals one UMA. Other roads are governed by each state's and municipality's traffic rules.
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Using a mobile phone while driving
Rules on using a mobile phone while driving are set by each state and often by municipalities, so no single national rule applies. On federal highways, the federal traffic regulation bans using communication or entertainment devices that interfere with safe driving.
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Travel
Air passenger rights
The Ley de Aviación Civil gives passengers compensation under the carrier's policy for delays of more than 1 hour caused by the carrier, and an indemnity of at least 25% of the fare on cancellation. PROFECO sanctions breaches and AFAC supervises compliance.
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Customs allowances for tobacco and alcohol
Mexican customs lists, for passengers over 18, up to 20 packs of cigarettes, 25 cigars or 200 g of tobacco, up to 3 litres of alcoholic beverages and 6 litres of wine as part of personal luggage. These items cannot be brought under the separate USD 500 franquicia.
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Identity documents
Foreign nationals with regular status must keep their identity and status documents and show them when the migration authorities require. British citizens must present a passport or valid identity and travel document, plus a visa only where required.
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Minors travelling: documents
A minor travelling with one or both parents does not need the SAM exit permit. A Mexican minor, or a foreign minor with temporary or permanent residence, travelling alone or with an adult who is not a parent or guardian needs the INM SAM form.
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Travelling with personal medicines
Importing narcotics and psychotropic substances requires authorisation from the Ministry of Health and may not be done by post. For personal use COFEPRIS issues an import permit on a prescription, a special barcoded one for narcotics.
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Living
Dual nationality
Naturalisation in Mexico requires the applicant to renounce their previous nationality. Mexicans by birth cannot be deprived of their nationality, but naturalised Mexicans lose it by voluntarily acquiring a foreign nationality.
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Naturalisation by residence
Naturalisation needs five years of residence in Mexico, with two years or one year for some groups. Applicants must show they speak Spanish, know the country's history and are integrated into the national culture. The language level and the renunciation rules are not verified.
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Paid holiday
The Ley Federal del Trabajo gives at least 12 working days of paid vacation after one year of service, rising by two days a year to 20. Seven public holidays are fixed each year as compulsory days of rest, plus 1 October every six years and election days. Workers receive a vacation premium of at least 25% of the wages for the vacation period.
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State pension age
Under the Ley del Seguro Social the old-age pension (vejez) is payable from age 65. The weekly contributions required rise by 25 a year from 750 in 2021 to 1,000 in 2031, so the requirement is 875 in 2026.
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Statutory minimum wage
Mexico has a statutory minimum wage set daily by the national commission CONASAMI. From 1 January 2026 it is MXN 315.04 per day in the general zone and MXN 440.87 per day in the northern border free zone.
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Restrictions
Cannabis
Mexico's General Health Law does not prosecute an adult consumer who holds up to 5 g of cannabis for strict personal consumption. The Supreme Court ordered authorisations for recreational self-consumption that exclude any trade or supply, and bar use before minors or non-consenting others in public. Medical cannabis medicines are regulated federally under the 2021 regulation and need a special prescription.
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Drinking age and alcohol sales
The Ley General de Salud bans selling or supplying alcohol to minors in any case. Under the Código Civil Federal the age of majority is 18. Rules on hours, places and public drinking were not found at federal level.
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Drones
In Mexico drones are regulated under NOM-107-SCT3-2019. Recreational drones over 250 g need a registration folio, the height limit is 122 m, and no insurance or Remote ID is required for recreational use up to 25 kg.
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Knives and pepper spray
Mexican federal law has no list of permitted or banned knives and does not mention pepper spray. Article 160 of the Código Penal Federal punishes carrying instruments for attack or defence without a lawful purpose, and work or sport tools are excepted. Knife and pepper spray carrying rules are mainly set by the penal codes of the states, which were not checked here.
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General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.