Jalisco Mexico Traffic Offenses and Fine Schedule (1/2010) This paper will go over vehicle importation as well as driving issues in Mexico but is not all inclusive as I cannot cover every issue here. Hopefully it will serve as a useful guide to the most common questions and issues to help you.I am writing this so that people will know what are considered offenses while driving in the state of Jalisco, Mexico and so that they will not be intimidated by illegal acts of transitos (traffic cops). Many times people bribe the traffic cops more than a ticket would cost! Traffic fines are calculated upon the minimum daily wage in the area. In the state of Jalisco it works out to be a little bit over 54 pesos (54.47 for 2010) but it is easier to use 54 pesos as it is an even number. The law says that if you pay the fine within 5 (five) working days that you receive a 50% discount so pay attention as the fines are very small relative to the ones in the US and other Anglo first world countries. Fines are paid at the Hacienda office which (in Chapala) is on Juarez St. #575 a block north of the Plaza or at other offices of the recaudadora (Hacienda) in Jalisco. Certain municipalities that have authorized their police force to enforce the traffic code will have you pay their tickets at the municipal treasury office. You can pay your vehicle registration (refrendo y tenencia) online for Jalisco plated cars and motorcycles at: https://gobiernoenlinea1.jalisco.gob.mx/tenencia/Vehiculo. Payment for fines by the federal police can be paid at any Bancomer branch or online at: http://pfptpiiweb01.ssp.gob.mx/LinCap/LineaCap.jsp. You will always want to have your driver license with you as well as copies (not originals) of your vehicle title, registration, import permit, copy of face page of passport and copy of the face page of your FM3 or FM2 along with copies of the pages showing renewals (if applicable) and insurance information. If the car is not yours and the driver is not in it, then you will want to have a letter of authorization authorizing you to drive the car and a copy of the owner ID so they can compare the signatures. Here traffic offenses - run with the car - or will attach to the registration, not the driver so if your friend drives your car with Jalisco plates and shows a US driver license and figures they will never get him so he does not pay, that is true, but you will get a surprise when you go to pay the vehicle fees next year as it will be added to your fees even though you did not commit the offense. One common question that is asked is about the temporary import sticker to have foreign plated cars in Mexico. Many times people have problems at the border if they bring a new car and / or the agent does not like their papers. The easy way to avoid this is to get your temporary vehicle import sticker via the internet. The web site address to do this is: https://www.banjercito.com.mx/iitv/sitio/html/cte_cst_infoiitv_ing.php You should always have Mexican insurance to cover your vehicle and all drivers of it. Some people say you do not need insurance in Mexico or that there is no law requiring it. Some states might not require it but you would be well served by having it. Here in Jalisco, insurance is the law, Regulation Article 53 (also Art. 67 of traffic law) requires insurance for all vehicles covering 6,000 days minimum wage ($318,000 pesos) and Regulation Article 57 requires it for all motorcycles 125 cc and over covering 2,000 days minimum wage ($106,000 pesos). One of the benefits of Mexican insurance is that they will have an adjustor come to the accident site immediately. Having a piece of paper when there is an accident will not suffice. If you cannot payoff the other party on site or your adjustor is not there personally then you can be taken to jail on the spot until you can prove that you can pay for damages. This is true even if the accident is not your fault. Here in Chapala a young child ran across the highway in Ajijic and was hit by the car. The driver was taken to jail until he could prove he could pay for the child's funeral even though it was not his fault. The full text of the traffic regulations can be found here: http://svt.jalisco.gob.mx/descargas/ReglamLeySer.pdf Another very common question arises from those who have their FM3 and FM2 visas and drive a foreign plated car. The temporary import sticker has an expiration date of six (6) months after issuance. Persons with FM3 and FM2 visas do not need to worry about their sticker's expiration date if they have a current (including renewals) visa. Also the law explicitly states who may drive their vehicle. The Federal Law of Customs at Article 106 states: ARTICLE 106. It is understood regarding the temporary importation regimen that the entry into the country of goods to remain for a limited time with a specific time to be returned outside the country in the same condition will be for the following terms: IV. For the duration of their immigration status, including extensions, in the following cases: a) The vehicles that are the property of foreigners admitted into the country with the immigration status of immigrant rentistas (those not working and of independent means) or of non immigrants except those who are refugees and those with political asylum as long as they only have one vehicle. The vehicles that tourists and local visitors import, include those that aren't their property as long as it is only one vehicle. (Basically one vehicle per person). The vehicles can be driven in Mexico by the importer, their spouse, their parents, grandparents, children, grandchildren or by a foreigner who has the same immigration status as they do or by a Mexican national only when one of the prior mentioned person is in the vehicle with them. They are free to enter and exit Mexico. The full text of the Mexican Federal Customs Law can be found here: http://www.diputados.gob.mx/LeyesBiblio/pdf/12.pdf One issue that comes up is that police often threaten to take your license if you don't pay on the spot. This varies by state. In Jalisco the officers are not allowed to take your license or any other document. In some states the law allows them to do this but not in Jalisco. The law states at Article 159: Article 159. The traffic authorities are not authorized to take From the driver his / her license, permission, identification, registration card or any other document with the exception of public transportation, vehicles transporting passengers or cargo. Many times the cops threaten to impound or tow your car. The traffic law of Jalisco gives specific instances where the police can tow your car. I will list the law here and a translation so you will not be bullied. What if you feel the police stopped you for no reason other than to try and get a bribe? If that is the case, they are guilty of two criminal code sections from the Jalisco State Penal Code: Extortion: Article 189. He who commits the crime of extortion that by means of duress demands that another give, send or deposit for his benefit or the benefit of a third party, things, money or documents where there are legal consequences. If the extortioner achieves his goal then one to nine years of prison will be imposed. If the extortioner does not achieve his goal then six months to six years of prison will be imposed When the means of duress is the temporary detainment of a person to demand things, money or documents or certain acts that affect the wealth of the victim, the penalty will be from ten to thirty years of prison and a fine of 500 days of minimum daily wage even if the extortioner is not successful. Abuse of Authority: Article 146. One commits the crime of Abuse of Authority all public servants that exceed their authority III. When the person improperly slows down or denies private parties the protection or service that they have the obligation to give or impeding the process of applying for a service. IV. When the person does an act, or authorizes or permits an act undermining the rights guaranteed by the Constitution if the United States of Mexico or of the State. VIII. When one is made to give money or other things of value that does not belong to the person. He who commits the crime of Abuse of Authority will receive the following penalty: If the amount of economic benefit received by his acts does not exceed 196 days minimum wage, one to five years prison will be imposed as well as a fine of 20 days minimum wage. The authorities can only stop and impound your car under the following circumstances: Article 70. The state and municipal traffic authorities, in conformity with the norms of the traffic regulations and as a security measure, will impound vehicles in the cases in conformity with the procedure established under this law. Article 156. Vehicles will be impounded as a measure of protection in the following instances: I. When driving without license plates or permission to be on the road. II. The vehicle has plates placed over the real plates. III. The vehicle lacks necessary equipment to be on the road or is being used inconsistent with its permission to be on the road. IV. The vehicle is in a prohibited place, blocking a garage, reserved parking space or abandoned on a public right of way or it blocks traffic or pedestrians without the driver being there. V. Reoffenders that continue to contaminate. VI. A private car that is painted or colored to look like a police car or traffic officer or public transport. Article 158. The traffic authorities, as a security measure, can impound a vehicle against the will of the driver or owner in the following situations: I. Where the vehicle is used when the driver is committing a crime. II. When there is an official report of the vehicle being used in a crime. III. Per court order. IV. Violation, by the driver of the prior articles and V. For violations of Article 156, part I, II and III of this code. The traffic authorities in no other case except those mentioned above may retain or impound a vehicle. Article 167. The following infractions will be Subject to a fine of 10 days minimum wage (545 pesos) as well as Subject the vehicle to being impounded in the event of violating parts I, III and IV. I. Not having the sticker (one with license number) matching plates on car and II. People found driving in an inebriated state or under the influence of drugs with an alternative application of the penalty at the offender’s option consisting of arrest for 24 hours or 4 days of social work in the area of highways and transit. The drivers license will be suspended per Article 170 of this ordinance. III. Driving without license plates or expired plates. IV. Improper use of novelty license plates. Article 50 . When there is an accident and people are injured or one of the drivers is under the influence of alcohol or there are damages to government property, whether Municipal, State or Federal damages to the to the vehicle the proper authorities should immediately proceed to secure the vehicles and send them to the public towing yard and the drivers to the proper judicial authority corresponding to the matter. Article 51. After an accident when there are only material damages between the parties involved or third parties and there are no injuries or any deaths, and if the drivers have all of their documents in order, the parties can agree to settle the matter amongst themselves and make and sign an agreement. In this instance the vehicles will not be towed nor will citations be issued for infractions except infractions committed separately or independently from the accident. Driving in Guadalajara there are laws to protect the environment and certain vehicles on the road need to have a special emissions sticker issued annually showing they are in compliance. Non Jalisco plated cars aren't subject to the program UNLESS they are visibly polluting in the Guadalajara Metro Zone or other areas participating in the program. The law states: Article 22. In the case of the cars with foreign plates or plates from other states in Mexico that ostensibly emit contaminants in the atmosphere driving in the Guadalajara Metropolitan Zone or in the municipalities participating in the program, cars must comply with the program. Cars found in violation will have their registration confiscated and application of the corresponding fine per the regulation. The driver can get their registration back after paying the fine and showing the compliance sticker issued after inspection of the vehicle. There are more code sections here but I will paraphrase. Foreign plated cars are exempt UNLESS they are ostensibly emit contaminants. Fine are 20 days minimum wage or 1,080 pesos BUT they will waive the fine if your car is in compliance within 15 calendar days From receiving the citation. There are procedures for this as well as if they towed your car for being a gross polluter. I am not going to list them here, too much. The full text of the law can be found here: http://programas.jalisco.gob.mx/pdfLeyes/Reglamento_Programa_Afinacion_Controlada.pdf Now here comes the fun part, the fines for offenses committed while driving. Article 161. The following infractions will be fined the equivalent of one days minimum wage (54.47 pesos but 27 pesos if paid within 5 working days of the ticket): I. Lack of bumpers / fenders II. Lack of windshield wipers III. Lack of a side mirror or protective equipment. IV. Failing to present current registration (tarjeta de circulacion) V. Having a damaged / smashed windshield that obstructs visibility. VI. Failing to have the sticker which has the license plate number. VII. Using lights not permitted. VIII. Throwing any type of item out of the vehicle or placing anything in the roadway that would impede driving, parking or stopping of vehicles. Article 162. The following infractions will be fined the equivalent of one days minimum wage (54.47 pesos but 27 pesos if paid within 5 working days of the ticket): I. Not presenting your driver license II. Parking in a prohibited spot on a local street III. Lights not working IV. Using glass or anything else that totally impedes the visibility into the vehicle. V. Lack of auto insurance to cover third party damages VI. Parking the wrong way on a street VII. Not using a seat belt, both driver and occupants. VIII. Driving in reverse more than ten (10) meters. IX. Making a prohibited turn X. Making excessive noise with the horn or muffler and XI. Having a missing license plate. Article 163. The following infractions will be fined the equivalent of two days minimum wage (109 pesos but 54.47 pesos if paid within 5 working days of the ticket): I. Doing auto repair on the highway when it obstructs or blocks traffic except in cases of emergency. II. Abandoning a vehicle in the public right of way per the statute III. Loading and unloading outside of authorized times IV. Driving a vehicle with people, pets or objects obstructing your driving. V. Placing license plates on a place other than required in the code VI. Driving a vehicle that the transit authorities have declared out of circulation. VII. Failing to comply with an order to take a vehicle off the road. VIII. Driving with license plates covered or obstructed, totally or partially or using other plates with numbers that impair vision of the proper plates IX. Parking in a space reserved for handicapped people X. Modifying the characteristics of a vehicle without authorization XI. Transporting cargo in a manner other than provided for in the ordinance XII. Failing to obey the instructions of a traffic officer XIII. Driving in a pedestrian zone XIV. Failing to stop for a railroad crossing XV. Parking where it blocks a garage or other reserved parking XVI. Transporting heavy machinery or equipment without the corresponding permission XVII. Transporting a child three (3) years old or younger in the front seat (except in cars with no rear seat) and who is not in a child car seat. Article 164. The following infractions will be fined the equivalent of three days minimum wage (163 pesos but 81.70 pesos if paid within 5 working days of the ticket): I. Repealed II. Repealed III. Not notifying the government of the sale of the vehicle or change of address of the owner. IV. Transporting people in cargo vehicles without proper protection V. VI. VII. Driving a visibly contaminating vehicle VIII. Allowing an unlicensed or unauthorized driver to drive your vehicle IX. Driving a vehicle needing a license and not exhibiting it. X. Parking in prohibited zones of calzadas, Avenidas, traffic stopping areas, highways, in restricted parking zones on the days and times the signs say or with a yellow curb. XI. A minor driving a vehicle without the corresponding permission of Section 62 XII. Parking in prohibited zones of calzadas, Avenidas, stopping areas or fast zones. XIII. Not carrying the visible ID card of the driver as operator (appears commercial) XIV. Carrying excess passengers in a public transit vehicle per specifications XV. Loading and unloading of passengers in zones not authorized XVI. Driving with doors open XVII. To hurl insults at traffic officers if they can be proved XVIII. Passing on the right XIX. Changing lanes without caution XX. Driving a vehicle on bike paths, pedestrian zones, plazas and trails for exclusive use of pedestrians without authorization from the competent authority. The offender has the option of an alternative sanction of one days social work in the area of highways and transit. XXI. Driving a vehicle using a cell phone except when it has hands free equipment. Article 166. The following infractions will be fined the equivalent of eight days minimum wage (435.76 pesos but 218 pesos if paid within 5 working days of the ticket): I. Driving with no lights II. Driving 10kph or more over the maximum speed limit in an urban zone. There is no tolerance for speeding in school and hospital zones. III. Repealed IV. Repealed V. Moving from the scene of an accident except when the parties have come to an agreement or per the instructions of a traffic officer. VI. Not having insurance covering damages to third parties. This fine will be extinguished if a policy is shown within 20 days of the infraction. Article 167. The following infractions will be fined the equivalent of ten days minimum wage (544.70 pesos but 272.35 pesos if paid within 5 working days of the ticket) and violations of parts I, III and IV will subject the car to impound: I. Not having the cars license sticker number match the plates II. People found driving in an inebriated state or under the influence of drugs with an alternative application at the offenders option consisting of arrest for 24 hours or 4 days of social work in the area of highways and transit. The drivers license will be suspended per Article 170 of this ordinance. III. Driving without plates or expired plates IV. Improper use of special or vanity plates V. Impeding the passage of emergency vehicles or police when they are using lights and sirens or driving right behind them taking advantage of others moving out of the way. VI. Driving more than 10kph over the maximum speed limit on viaducts or local streets when the speed limit is posted and VII. Driving the wrong way or unjustifiable invading the opposite lane to pass on highways in urban zones. A very wicked code section I was not able to find is one that applies in Guadalajara. This is a fine for invading the Macrobus lane. This lane runs in the center of some big streets (such as Independencia and soon to be others). If you make a left turn and cross the bus lane, you are guilty and as the lane is new they have not posted the no left turn signs. Also if you drive in or invade that lane they will fine you. Wherever the bus is you cannot make left turns and there are rubber or plastic barriers and a solid yellow line separating the bus lanes from the left lanes. These offenses are fined HUGE amounts such as 200 to 400 days minimum wage or 10,000 to 20,000 pesos! You have been forewarned. The full text in Spanish of the traffic law can be found here: http://svt.jalisco.gob.mx/descargas/leyServ.pdf Now I am placing this bit of bad news last. It is fair to list it so that this paper is complete as possible and so that you are informed of everything both good and bad so that you can make an informed decision when the time comes to take action on a matter. There is a code section that says that even though you have a car with plates that are not registered in the state, that if you are in Jalisco for 6 months or more then you will need to comply with the laws of the state of Jalisco. I doubt most cops know this code section and they would have to know or prove that you were here for over 6 months. This would only apply in the event of some equipment violation. It does not mention that it would apply to the code which contains the smog checks and stickers although that code does address vehicles from out of the state of Jalisco. I am not translating the below section in case a cop gets a copy of this or sees you reading it, we do not want to educate them where it can be used against you. Article 72. Vehicles not registered in the state that remain in the state for more than 6 continuous months ought to satisfy the requirements of this law and ordinance; if the time in the state is less than 6 months then the vehicle only needs to comply with the requirements of the state it is from. PUERTO VALLARTA DRIVING LAWS Many municipalities have extended the duties of their municipal police and have authorized them to enforce the State traffic laws. Generally the laws they enforce are the same EXCEPT there are some differences such as the taking of your license until you pay, no discount for fines paid promptly for certain offenses or repeat offenders. Also PV actually has the law on the books that you must keep your US registration current to drive legally. Some common questions that people seem to have are: (Answers cited next to questions) 1) Can you be stopped for any reason? No (See Article 121 below) 2) Can they take your license plates? No (See Articles 31 & 40 below) 3) Can they take your driver license? Probably (See Articles 31 & 40 below) 4) Can they take your car papers? Probably (See Articles 31 & 40 below) 5) Do foreigners need a Mexican driver license? No (See Article 38 below) 6) How do they mark no parking zones? (See Article 55 below) I will put the most important excerpts (significant changes from the standard state regulations) from Vallarta Transit Regulations here in English. Article 27. Vehicles from outside the country can operate within the municipality if the vehicle is legally in the country and they have current importation permission from customs authorities and it complies with the operating requirements from the place of origin, provided that it has current license plates. Such vehicles can be driven in this municipality by spouses, parents and grandparents, children and grandchildren of the importer when they are foreign residents or by another foreigner with the same immigration status as indicated in Article 106, Section IV a) of the customs law. When an unauthorized person is driving, the owner of the vehicle must be present. In the event of violation, the vehicle will be impounded and placed at the disposition of the Federal Prosecutor and / or corresponding proper authorities. Article 31. The traffic authorities are not authorized to take from the driver his / her license, permission, registration card or any other document with the exception of public transportation vehicles or vehicles transporting cargo. Article 38. Licenses issued in other state as well as out of the country that are not expired will be valid in this municipality. Article 40. Drivers of vehicles shall: IX. Show to municipal authorities their license and vehicle registration when it is asked for. In the event of an accident and /or infraction, the documents invariably will be taken by the authorized personnel of the municipality. Section IX above is in direct contradiction with Article 31 above which is mirrored in the State regulations in Article 159. You would think the legislative body would actually read the code to ferret out conflicts and ambiguities but I have found errors including spelling errors. Article 47. When a vehicle is improperly parked interrupting the flow of traffic or blocking signage or other traffic devices whose visibility is vital to avoid accidents, it will be towed and impounded at the public lot with the following considerations: I. If the blocking is intentional, either individually or by a group then there will be an administrative fine without any right to discount or cancellation; and II. The costs of towing and storage shall be the responsibility of the offender. Article 55. It is prohibited to park vehicles: I. On sidewalks, islands, medians, roundabouts and pedestrian zones. II. On street corners, making sure you park at least 5 meters from the corner in both directions. III. Fifty meters before and after bridges, tunnels, shallow river crossings, hills, curves or in any area where a vehicle cannot be seen from a distance of 100 meters or other place of low visibility. IV. In front of fire hydrants, ramps and places reserved for the use of the handicapped. V. In loading and unloading zones without doing such activities. VI. In bus stops and taxi zones. VII. Anywhere that obstructs other drivers views of traffic signs. VIII. Anywhere there is a no parking sign or as directed by a traffic officer. IX. That are abandoned, inoperable or dismantled. X. Parallel along the sidewalk when parking is meant to be diagonal or vice versa. XI. Where the curb is painted yellow. XII. Less than 5 meters from a fire station, ambulance, police, traffic officer, hospital or school. XIII. Facing the wrong way. XIV. In parking spots that are for exclusive use only. Most parking fines are in the State code, Articles 162, 163 and 164. The following fines are different or in addition to the standard state fines and policies and as such are listed: Article 97. The following infractions will be fined the equivalent of one day´s minimum wage (54.47 pesos but 27.25 pesos if paid within 5 working days of the ticket) X. Altering, destroying, knocking down, covering, changing the position or place of signs or traffic control devices. XI. Placing signs or traffic devices such as markers, speed bumps, barriers or anything to reserve a parking space. XII. Dig ditches or conduct work in the roadway without municipal authority. The failure to comply shall be enforced by the transit authority who will suspend the work in process with the help of the municipality who will levy the corresponding fine. XIII. Accompanying loose livestock. (Cross reference Article 161 of state regulations for items I to IX). Article 98. The following infractions will be fined the equivalent of one day´s minimum wage (54.47 pesos but 27.25 pesos if paid within 5 working days of the ticket) XI. Playing a radio or reproducing sound that surpasses the permitted decibel level or upsets the peace and tranquility of persons. XII. Using sound equipment for advertising without permission from the proper authority; and XIII. Establishing stalls whether temporary or permanent to conduct business or sales of products and services without permission from the proper authority. (Cross reference Article 162 of state regulations for items I to X). Article 99 PV fines same as state Article 163. Article 100. The following infractions will be fined the equivalent of three days minimum wage (163.50) pesos but 81.70 pesos if paid within 5 working days of the ticket) XVIII. Motorcyclists that dont respect their driving lane and infringing upon the regulations in this code. (Cross reference Article 164 of state regulations for items I to XVII). Article 101 PV fines same as state Article 165. Article 102 PV fines same as state Article 166. Article 103 PV fines same as state Article 167. Article 106 In the event of another offense within three months following the first one, the fine will be doubled. In the event of a subsequent offense of the infractions VI and VII of article 103 of these regulations committed within 30 days or the last offense, the penalty will be, at the option of the offender, 12 hours of arrest or 2 days of community service relating to traffic. Article 115. Administrative fines may be paid within fifteen days of the offense but if the offender pays within the first 5 working days, he will have the right to a discount of 50% of the amount, if he pays 6 days to 14 days after, the discount will only be 25%, except for the following violations: I. Speeding in a school zone; III. Refusing to give information or documents to a traffic officer; IV. Giving false information to a traffic officer V. Fleeing the scene of an accident VI. Infractions causing damages to third parties VII. Insulting or assaulting traffic officers VIII. Driving with plates over the real plates IX. Loaning out your plates X. Habitual reoffenders. Article 121. Traffic officers are only allowed to stop a vehicle when the driver has flagrantly violated the infractions aforementioned in articles 97, 98, 99, 100, 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, 108, y 108 in the present regulations; merely stopping a driver to check documents is not a proper motive for stopping a vehicle, except for campaigns to nationalize vehicles. MEXICAN FEDERAL DRIVING LAWS Complete original law can be found here: http://www.ssp.gob.mx/portalWebApp/ShowBinary?nodeId=/BEA%20Repository/322208//archivo ARTICLE 38.-When the owner of a vehicle transfers the vehicle to another party, they will still be liable for infractions until they give proper notice of transfer to the authorities. The registration will expire upon transfer to another party and the new party will have to apply for and obtain the new registration papers before operating or permitting another to operate the vehicle. ARTICLE 46.-Private vehicles from outside the country may drive on federal highways in accordance with international treaties and agreements approved by the Senate and published in the Federal Register or in the event that such does not exist, as long as such driving does not contradict these regulations. ARTICLE 66. It is prohibited to leave or throw trash, bottles, glass, nails, wire or any other material that can cause damage to people or vehicles using the roadway. Anybody removing a vehicle after an accident should clean the roadway of glass and other material that has fallen onto it. ARTICLE 99. Vehicles should be drive non the right side of the roadway except under the following circumstances: 1 1. When passing another vehicle 2 2. When the road is not large enough for 2 lanes 3 3. When there are obstructions on the right half and it is necessary to drive on the left. In this case, drivers should yield to vehicles coming from the opposite direction moving to an unobstructed part. 4 4. When the road is divided into 3 lanes for traffic in both directions, vehicles should be driven to the extreme right lane. ARTICLE 79. To drive a motor vehicle it is necessary to be in full control of your faculties both mental and physical, carry a valid license or other document that authorizes you to drive the vehicle. Likewise to operate or drive a motor vehicle the driver needs to use their seatbelt. ARTICLE 80.-For a vehicle to drive on public highways, it is required to have proper and clearly legible registration issued by the appropriate transit authority. ARTICLE 100.-When the driver of a vehicle is driving on a 2 lane highway with traffic moving in both directions, the driver should drive on the extreme right when encountering a oncoming vehicle. ARTICLE 118.-Speed limits, when not indicated by signs are the following in kilometers per hour: VEHICLES WITH A NET WEIGHT NO GREATER THAN 3,500 KGS In urban zones 50 In rural zones (daytime) 100 In rural zones (nighttime) 90 ARTICLE 119. Notwithstanding the speed limits in the prior article or those indicated by signage, speed should take into account traffic conditions, the road, visibility, the vehicle and the driver. A driver also should not drive at such a slow speed that he interrupts traffic except when necessary due to security reasons or compliance with the law or any other justified cause. Drivers are prohibited from speed exhibitions or races on public highways. ARTICLE 183. The driver of a vehicle involved in an accident where there is injury or death or damage to the vehicles or other property should immediately stop at the scene of the accident or as close as possible and remain there until the arrival of the proper authorities. The driver should stop without posing a danger to other drivers and place warning devices. The foregoing does not apply if the driver of the vehicle causes damage to another car or property that is not occupied which in that case the driver should stop and look for the owner or driver to make a deal to fix the damages. If unable to locate the driver or owner, a note should be left with the name and address of the owner of the car being driven. This does not apply to damages to national property or federal public service vehicles. . ARTICLE 185. If as a result of an accident there is not injury or death and there is only material damage, the parties may make an agreement to resolve the issue without involving the traffic authorities. The agreement should list the names off the parties, their addresses, license plate numbers and the date and place of the accident. This does not apply to damages to national property or federal public service vehicles. ARTICLE 186. The traffic authorities can request that the driver of a vehicle involved in an accident make a voluntary written report of the accident. ARTICLE 187. Any person who provides information to the traffic authorities in relation to an accident and is not truthful will be subject to penalties pursuant to criminal law. ARTICLE 190.-The Secretary shall keep a individual registry of each driver noting judicial rulings that affect their ability to drive as well as accidents they have been involved in. ARTICLE 191.-The Secretary of Communication and Transportation shall keep an individual registry of every drivers traffic infractions committed, at the discretion of the secretary as deserved. ARTICLE 194.-The federal traffic authorities should immediately detain any driver under the influence of alcoholic beverages or drugs and take them to the nearest doctor for an examination to determine their mental state for the fine to be imposed and to be turned over to the prosecutors office. ARTICLE 197.-Infractions and regulations under this code shall be enforced by the federal transit authorities with tickets approved by the Secretary of Communications and Transportation. The original and a copy shall be given to the offender, the first will be a receipt for the document taken as a guarantee for payment for a term of 50 days and the copy as a notice to appear for the offender to pay the corresponding fine. The offender has the right to have the ticket assigned to the federal police office closest to him. If 30 working days from the date of the infraction have passed and the fine has not. Fines may be appealed by the offender or duly authorized legal representative within 15 working days starting the day after the offense. The writing must be directed to the Director General of Legal Affairs or Director General or the S.C.T. in whose jurisdiction the offense was committed. The offender must send in a copy of their disagreement to the office in the jurisdiction of the offense. The written disagreement should offer evidence and put forward the defenses that the offender considers necessary when it relates to the events that are a basis for his claim. In light of the evidence and defenses presented the Director General of Legal Affairs or Director General or the S.C.T. will have 30 days to resolve the matter. ARTICLE 198.- The authorities of the Secretary of Communication and Transportation may not take the federal driver licenses nor license plates or the registration of federal public service vehicles as guarantee for the payment of infractions of these regulations. ARTICLE 200.-Fines shall be applied as determined in this article and are based upon the current minimum wage in the Federal District on the date the infraction is committed and on the gravity of the offense and the ability of the offender. (Please note that the minimum wage for Mexico City [DF] for 2010 is 57.46 pesos) 1.-The following offenses will have fines up to 5 days minimum wage (287.30 pesos), the infractions in articles 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15; article 18 paragraph 3; article 21 paragraph 2; article 23 section 2 b) and c); articles 28, 38, 51, 67, 75, 78, 86, 87, 89, 100; article 116 section 1 a) and sections 4, 6 and 7; article 117; article 129 section 1, a) and section 3; article 134 sections 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 1O, 11, 12, 13, 16 y 17; articles 148, 149, 150, 151, 152, 153, 154, 155, 157, 158; article 171 section 3 a); article 174 section 1 f) and section 2; articles 175 and176. 2.-The following offenses will have fines up to 10 days minimum wage (574.60 pesos), the infractions in articles 7, sections 1 and 2; article 16 paragraph 1; articles 17, 24, 26, 27, 29, 30, 31, 33, 34; article 41 paragraphs 1, 2 and 3; articles 42, 43, 69, 70, 74, 81, 82, 85, 90, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 104, 106, 109, 110, 112, 113, 114; article 116 section 3 final paragraph and section 8; article 122; article 124 sections 1 and 2; article 129 section 1 c); articles 133, 135, 144, 156, 170; article 171 section 2 a) and section 4; article 174 section 1 e) and section 3 b); article 178 section 2; article 179section 2 a), section 3 a) and section 6. 3.-The following offenses will have fines up to 20 days minimum wage (1,149.20 pesos), the infractions in articles 23 section 1 and 2 a); articles 32, 35, 40, 44, 49, 63; article 66 paragraph 2; article 71; article 72 section 1; articles 73, 91, 99,101, 102, 107, 111, 115; article 116 section 5; article 119 paragraph 2; articles 120, 121; article 124 section 3 paragraph 2 and section 4; article 127; article 129 section 1 paragraph 1, b) and section 2; articles 136, 137, 138; article 171 section 1 a) and section 5; article 173 section 2 a and b); article 174 section 1 b) and d); article 178 section 1; article 179 section 1 a) and f section 5; article 181 section 1; article 183 paragraph 2. 4.-The following offenses will have fines up to 30 days minimum wage (1,723.80 pesos), the infractions in articles 7 paragraph 2; article 8; article 16 paragraph 2; article 20 paragraph 3; article 21 paragraph 1; articles 25, 45 and 66 paragraph 1; article 76; article 79 paragraph 1; articles 80 y 103; article 116 section 1 paragraph 1 c) and d) and section 2; articles 125, 131, 132; article 139 sections 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5. 5.-The following offenses will have fines up to 50 days minimum wage (2,873 pesos), the infractions in articles 47, 58, 61, 62, 83, 105; article 119 paragraph 3; article 123; article 124 section 3; article 130; article 134 sections 14, 15 and 18; article 139 section 6; articles 140, 141; article 183 paragraph 1; article 184 paragraphs 1 and 2. 6.-The following offenses will have fines up to 100 days minimum wage (5,746 pesos), the infractions in articles 68 and 72 section 2. The infractions in articles 54 and 84 will be fined a fine of 20 days minimum wage for the first offense with fines of 40 days minimum wage for subsequent offenses. 7.-He who violates article 79 paragraph 2, will be liable for fines for the first, second and third offenses of fines of 2, 4 and 6 day’s minimum wage respectively. 8.-The following speeding offenses will have fines up to 10 days minimum wage (574.60 pesos), articles 118 y 119. 9.-If as a result of the infractions of these regulations there is an accident, the fine for the offense will be doubled. 10.-Offenders of articles 79 paragraph 1 or 80 who after the fact can provide the documentation will be fined 15 days minimum wage (861.90 pesos) instead of the fine that corresponds to not having said documents. The same fine will apply to those who did not show a valid license. 11.-Offenses committed by passengers or pedestrians will be admonished by the corresponding transit authority. 12.-Any other infraction of these regulations not specified in this section will be fined up to 50 days minimum wage at the discretion of the Secretary of Communications and Transportation. Here are sections not necessarily listed in this document where I will paraphrase what the offenses are and regulations relate to: Articles 7 through 24 deal with vehicle lights and lighting. Article 25 through 27; Brakes Article 28 ; Horn Article 29 ; Muffler Article 30 through 31 ; Mirrors / Glass Article 33 ; tires Article 36 through 46 ; Vehicle Registration Article 47 through 66 ; Vehicle Licenses Article 63 through 78; General Driving Rules Article 79 through 98 ; General Driving Rules Article 99 through 104 ; Driving on the right. Article 105 through 111 ; Yielding to others Article 112 through 115 ; Slowing down and changing direction Article 116 through 117; Using lights Article 118 through 121; Speed laws Article 122 through 128 ; Passing Article 129 through 141 ; Stopping & Parking Article 142 through 146 ; Emergency Vehicles Article 147 through 158 ; Bicycles and Motorcycles Article 159 through 170; Passengers & Pedestrians Article 179 through 182; Traffic Lights Article 183 through 187 ; Accidents On Federal toll roads you are covered by an insurance policy and the premium is built into the price of the toll you pay. Full details of the insurance can be found here (in Spanish): http://www.capufe.gob.mx/portal/site/WebCapufe/menuitem.027a804c773deb3d28e87e14a96d8a0c/ Description of the coverage of the policy can be found on these two pages (in Spanish): http://www.capufe.gob.mx/portal/WebCAPUFE/ParaViajar/Seguro/CGralesMapfre_FebDic2009.pdf http://www.capufe.gob.mx/portal/WebCAPUFE/ParaViajar/Seguro/CGralesQualitas_MarDic2009.pdf This covers some things you might not have thought about such as: Damage to your windshield, tires, lights, damage caused by gravel from construction or potholes. The procedures to file a claim or in the event of an accident are outlined here: If you are involved in an accident: Remain calm and if possible park your vehicle on the shoulder. With caution, place emergency markers (road flares, triangles, etc). Report the incident to the closest toll highway booth by having another driver report it or calling toll free 01 800 227 8331 Give the location (kilometer # or other point of reference) as well as the make, model, color and license plate info of the car and if there are other cars and drivers involved. Wait for the insurance adjustor who will offer you all the support needed for the process until it is done. Let the adjustor know if you have other insurance coverage. In order for the insurance coverage to apply, it is important that you keep: A copy of the toll receipt The paperwork given to you by the adjustor A copy off the report from the toll booth. Where appropriate, a copy of the report from the Federal Police Where appropriate, a copy of the paperwork from the Ministerio Publico. Do not make any sort of private arrangements as it can make it difficult for the claim to be paid. All information and translations courtesy of Spencer R. McMullen Intercasa Financial Services S.A. de C.V. (México) Hidalgo #230 Chapala, Jalisco, México 45900 (376)765-7553 US VOIP (805)683-4848 México Móvil (011 52 1) 33 11 20 66 62 Ajijic Law Office Colon #41-A Ajijic, Jalisco, México 45920 (376)766-4240 1st City Savings Quality Mortgage 1727 State St., Suite 1 Santa Barbara, CA 93101 (805)683-4848 (805)880-0454 fax (805)689-9733 Cell phone USA DRE Lic# 01327728 (Corp) / 01125088