Driving
Emergency telephone numbers while on the road (can be dialed from any cellphone):
Tourist assistance dial 078 (bilingual)
Police, fire, ambulance dial 911
Do not drive at night!
Check our Business pages for Mexican Car Insurance options
Driving in Baja is much easier today than it was years ago, but it still feels different from what many travelers are used to in the United States. The main highways are paved and generally well maintained, while the secondary and back roads can be rough, full of potholes, or not paved at all.
Most roads also have little to no shoulder, so if your vehicle drifts off the pavement it’s important to slow down before steering back onto the road, as many accidents happen when drivers try to correct too quickly.
It is best to travel during daylight hours. Night driving can be dangerous because of livestock wandering across the highway, old vehicles moving without lights, or large trucks with only one functioning headlight that look like motorcycles until they are suddenly close. Road debris such as wood, concrete blocks, or tire treads is also common, and spotting it at night can be difficult. Swerving at the last moment often causes more danger than the obstacle itself.
Breakdowns and accidents do happen, especially in the long desert stretches between Mexicali and San Felipe, so it pays to be prepared. Carrying extra water, blankets, and a few tools can make a big difference. If your vehicle fails, pull as far off the road as possible and wait for assistance. You can dial 078 from your cellphone, if you have a signal, to reach bilingual roadside help. The highways are regularly patrolled by both the Highway Patrol (PFP) and the Green Angels. The Green Angels are a unique service run by Mexico’s Department of Tourism; their job is to patrol the highways and repair stranded vehicles. Their labor is free and you will only be charged for parts if they are needed.
Some rules of the road differ from what visitors might expect. A left turn signal on the car in front of you may mean the driver is about to turn, but it is just as likely that they are signaling it is safe for you to pass. On two-lane highways, if you intend to turn left and another car is overtaking you, you are expected to pull to the right and let it pass before turning. On four-lane highways, there are often right-hand pull-offs designed for making left turns. As in the U.S., a solid center line means no passing while a broken line means passing is allowed.
Finally, remember that speed limits are posted in kilometers per hour, not miles per hour. An 80 on the sign means about 50 miles per hour. Even though many drivers exceed the posted limit, it is safer to obey the signs. The Highway Patrol uses radar, and many stretches of highway run directly through small communities where children, schools, pets, and families live. Respecting the limits is about more than avoiding tickets, it helps keep everyone safe.
For the latest updates before you travel, visit our Road Conditions page.