Are Mexican Cars Legal in the US?

Driving a car made in Mexico or having Mexican plate numbers in the US is not forbidden.

However, vehicles made in Mexico come with different safety features and design specs.

These cars will also have different emission controls. So, are local area cars even legal in the US?

There are rules regulating the ownership and operation of Mexican cars in the US. You can avoid trouble with the authorities by learning what's allowed and what's not. Check out this guide to learn about the legality of your car in the US.

Overview of Mexican Cars in the US

Mexican cars are common in the US, especially in border towns. You can usually recognize these cars by the plates.

Of course, they will have to follow the US road rules. For citizens or others with cars plated in Mexico, driving in the US requires meeting US Customs and Border Protection regulations. They must also follow safety requirements and emission standards.

Drivers must carry several documents. A Vehicle Title or any other proof of ownership is a must. They must also have valid insurance policies covering their stay in the US. However, the Mexican registration and license plate alone cannot be used long-term in the US.

Cars must also meet Federal Motor Safety Standards. Those staying permanently in the US must also pass the importation process, which means meeting emission requirements and paying import fees.

Permanent residents or those with dual citizenship who want to bring their car to the US must undergo a thorough process, which often includes modifying the car to meet US standards.

In short, Mexican cars with plates are legal for temporary visits. However, long-term or permanent use in the US requires more.

Differences Between Vehicle Standards

The USA and Mexico have different regulations to ensure a vehicle's safety and environmental friendliness. The US has slightly more strict requirements regarding safety and emissions, and Mexican regulations, while comprehensive, don't always align with those in the US.

Some key differences lie in safety protocols, emissions controls, and the approval processes that autos must undergo before hitting the road.

Emissions Measures

The Environmental Protection Agency has set the emission standards for all cars in the US. Individual states like California also have their own, sometimes stricter, regulations. However, these standards are focused on reducing the harmful pollutants from vehicle exhausts.

Emission requirements in the US and Mexico regulate:

• Hydrocarbon Emissions
• Nitrogen Oxides
• Carbon Monoxide
• Particulate Matter

Mexican cars often require upgrades or additional controls to meet the much lower emission limit in the US, particularly in states that have tighter regulations. Cars from Mexico usually must undergo texting and receive certification to confirm their compliance with US standards.

Safety requirements

Safety requirements for vehicles in the United States go beyond the FMVSS. Additional safety features that may be required to be road-legal in the US—but not necessarily in Mexico—include:

• Advanced airbag systems
• Electronic stability control
• Traction control systems
• Comprehensive labeling for parts and potential hazards

All engine imports must be checked against these standards. Adapting a Mexican vehicle to comply can be expensive and technically challenging.

Insurance Policies for Vehicles in America

One of the things US CBP officers will check at the border crossing is proof of Mexican insurance policies. Insurance is necessary as a form of self-protection. Also, US law dictates that all drivers carry liability insurance.

However, an insurance policy may not be enough to cover drivers in the US fully. An additional policy from a local insurance agency that recognizes Mexican license plates may be needed.

Mexican car plates must seek US insurance policies. Several US insurance companies offer short-term insurance specifically designed for vehicles. Coverage options will vary. At a minimum, the policy must cover primary liability (meeting state requirements). However, there are more comprehensive policies that cover collision and medical coverage.

Drivers of cars can get these policies online or from a specialty insurance broker.

Requirements for Driving Internationally

When a person drives a vehicle with license plates in the US, they must consider their length of stay and purpose of visit. Temporary visitors can typically use their Mexican-registered vehicles for tourism or short business trips without problem. They only need to bring the necessary documents, such as a passport or tourist visa.

However, those intending to stay longer or become permanent US residents must import their car correctly. This means following the US guidelines for car importation, meeting safety standards, obtaining appropriate US registration and insurance, and paying import fees and taxes.

Obtaining a Driver’s License

Getting a US driver's license is a must for anyone planning to drive long-term in the US or become a permanent resident. Converting to a US driver's license may require identification and residency, as well as passing written and driving tests.

Other documents that may be required are birth certificates (for US citizens), green cards, and employment documents (for non-citizens). If they succeed in getting a US license, they may also have to pay for broader insurance coverage.

Validity of Driver’s License

Mexican citizens driving in the US with license plates on a short-term basis must hold a valid driver's license. These licenses are recognized in the US, but their validity may vary by state. The Mexican citizens' length of stay will also influence their validity. Check with the local Department of Motor Vehicle for state-specific regulations.

It's even better if drivers driving in the US with Mexican plats have an International Driving Permit. This is in addition to a driver's license. An international permit will allow better interaction with law enforcement and various car services.

Issues in Border Areas

Border towns between the US and Mexico often see many automobiles on the streets. It's common for Mexican border town residents from Tijuana or Baja California to travel to US border towns for work. These cars have become a part of the border town landscape.

While driving in these communities, drivers must abide by local traffic laws. However, occasionally, there are challenges in border areas. Some of these challenges include:

• Heightened scrutiny from law enforcement. Vehicles are subject to more frequent stops and checks. They are often attributed to safety and emissions concerns.
• Issues regarding insurance claims. Mexican drivers who don't secure a policy from a US insurer that adequately provides coverage for incidents in the US can get into trouble.
• Miscommunication issues and language barriers can also pose problems for Local car drivers. Their understanding of the US legal system, in particular, may also be questioned.
• They are missing legal documents. Drivers of Mexican-plated cars may not carry all the necessary documents to drive legally in the US. They can get into trouble if they forget to bring the required paperwork.

Mexican drivers must be fully equipped with the necessary legal documents to avoid these issues. They must also understand the requirements of US standards and comply with local laws. They can overcome even a language barrier with these things in their arsenal.

Permanent Residents and Dual Citizens

People with permanent resident status or dual citizenship between Mexico and the US are exceptional cases when it comes to driving Mexican-plated cars in the US. The rules for them are distinct, with an additional layer. Check them out below.

Driving Vehicles for permanent residents

US permanent residents, or Green Card holders, can live and work in the US indefinitely. This status comes with specific considerations regarding vehicle registration and operation.

It's perfectly legal for permanent residents to drive Mexican-registered motorcars temporarily in the US. However, they are expected to eventually register their cars with their state's Department of Motor Vehicles.

What the need to register:

• Documentation: Permanent residents should carry their Green Card and driver's license for identification and proof of legal status when driving.
• Vehicle registration: A Green Card holder planning to stay in the US and use a carriage car long-term must register the car in the state of residence. They are subject to emissions and safety regulations.
• Insurance: A policy from a US-licensed insurance agency providing coverage in the United States is mandatory.

Dual Citizenship and Automobile Ownership

Dual citizens of Mexico and the United States enjoy the liberties and responsibilities of citizenship in both countries. They must follow similar protocols as other drivers but with some added flexibility:

• Border crossings: They can enter and exit each country relatively freely. But they still have to comply with each nation's vehicle import-export laws.
• Vehicle standards compliance: Autos driven in the US must meet all relevant FMVSS and state-specific emissions and safety criteria.
• Registration options: Dual citizens can register their Mexican cars in their US home state if they decide to keep the car mainly in the US. Yet, they also maintain the privilege of owning and operating a car in Mexico.

The table below summarizes the expectations for permanent residents and dual citizens driving Mexican-registered vehicles in the US:

Conclusion

Yes, it is possible, but the drivers must comply with US regulations, including safety and emissions standards. They must also have a US insurance policy to cover for liability and all the necessary documents, including identification, proof of vehicle ownership, and a valid driver's license. That said, Green Card holders and dual citizens of the US and Mexico have more flexibility when it comes to driving Mexican-plated cars in the US.

A1 Auto Transport, on the other hand, can help you ship your car from Mexico to the US. International car shipping is one of our areas of expertise. Contact us if you plan to move somewhere in the US that's not a border town and need assistance. Receive a free quote and start shipping.