From: romeu@acsu.buffalo.edu (Jorgeluis Romeu)
Newsgroups: soc.culture.mexican
Subject: viajar a mexico
Date: 15 Apr 92 15:49:48 GMT
Organization: UB

***********copiado******************************************

STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL ADVISORY - Mexico
============================================================
Mexico - Notice
 January 23, 1992

Mexico has just instituted strict requirements for entry of private
vehicles from the U.S.  In addition, motorists should be aware of
restrictions on the usage of private automobiles in Mexico City.

Requirements for the entry of vehicles into Mexico:  On January 8,
1992, the Government of Mexico instituted new requirements for the
temporary entry (less than six months) of personal vehicles into
Mexico.  These regulations pertain only to those vehicles which will
be driven beyond the approximate 20 kilometer "free zone" south of
the U.S./Mexican border.  The Government of Mexico's Ministry of
Finance has indicated that these new regulations do not affect
vehicles which will remain within the "free zone".  (It should be
noted that all of Baja California is considered a "free zone".)

Owners of personal vehicles traveling beyond the "free zone" must
now meet one of the following requirements:  A) provide documentary
evidence that the vehicle carries full U.S. auto insurance
(Government of Mexico authorities describe "full insurance" to
include theft, third party liability and comprehensive) valid for at
least two months;-or B) post a bond based on the value of the
vehicle as determined by the Government of Mexico Customs officials
at the time of entry (This could be as high as 50% of the value of
the vehicle).  Mexican Finance Ministry officials state that the
bond will be reimbursable; however, there will be an additional
processing fee which will not be reimbursable.

For additional information, individuals traveling to Mexico by
personal vehicle should contact the Mexican Embassy in Washington,
D.C. or the Mexican Consulate nearest their place of residence prior
to beginning their travel.

Thousands of U.S. citizens travel throughout Mexico each year using
both privately owned and rental vehicles.  U.S. citizens planning to
drive in Mexico may do so on a current U.S. driver's license but
should assure that their U.S. insurance will cover driving in Mexico
or purchase additional insurance to cover the period of their travel
in Mexico.  While Mexico has an extensive primary and secondary road
system, driving conditions are crowded and often hazardous to the
uninitiated driver.  Drivers in Mexico should exercise particular
care and should not drive after nightfall outside urban areas.
Nighttime driving can be particularly hazardous because of slow
moving unlighted vehicles even on primary roads.  In addition, some
Mexican roads, particularly in isolated regions, have at times been
targets for robbery by bandits who operate primarily after dark.

Driving restrictions in Mexico City: In an effort to reduce air
pollution in Mexico City, Mexican authorities restrict tourist
vehicular traffic in Mexico City.  For vehicles of non-Mexican
registration, the restriction is based on the last digit of the
license plates.  The schedule is as follows:
-       Monday - No driving of vehicles with license plates with
final digit of 5 or 6.
-       Tuesday - No driving of vehicles with license plates with
final digit of 7 o
-       Wednesday - No driving of vehicles with license plates with
final digit of 3 or 4.
-       Thursday - No driving of vehicles with license plates with
final digit of 1 or 2.
-       Friday - No driving of vehicles with license plates with
final digit of 9 or 0.
-       Saturday and Sunday - All vehicles may drive.

Failure to comply with this regulation will result in vehicle
impoundment and a fine.

The Department of State has a publication entitled "Tips for
Travelers to Mexico."  The pamphlet is available for one dollar from
the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office,
Washington, D.C. 20401.

 No. 92-12

This replaces the travel notice dated March 13, 1989, to reflect
requirements for temporary entry of personal vehicles into Mexico.