Car Permits for Mexico

[latinoguy]

I will be taking off for Puerto Vallarta in a couple of days. Those of you that have travelled beyond Baja, did you get the Temporary importation permit? I wonder how strict mexican customs is, it has been a long time since I have travelled past the free zone.

 

[sixty]

Very strict.... Get the permit and tourist card if your not a mexican national.

 

[94landcruiser]

I can only tell you about the borders I have crossed at (over 50 times) Nogales & Laredo.

At Laredo there is an Aduana (customs) checkpoint just inside Mexico. I have crossed there over 35 times and been stopped once, had I not had my permit there it would have been ok as the place to get the permit is 2 miles away and I would have just returned my previous one and been going to get the new one which I would have told them and that would have been ok.

There is a second checkpoint 20 miles inside Mexico at Laredo which sends you back if you get stopped and don't have it (they have a booth just before the customs check which may stop you before the actual checkpoint which also may stop you)


At Nogales the border is again about 20 miles before the checkpoint which also has the place to get the permit so they are on top of each other.

I would not try to get away without the permit as any 2 bit small town "policeman" could extort money or impound your vehicle. Not worth saving 32.00 imho.

 

[GILBERTO PEREZ]

its the law take it, veh permit end tourist permit.
I recommend you be for you take off to call the USA consulado end inform them ob your trip, this is the best tip you can get, this will help you if you get in legal problems, accidents, police, medical, etc, they now you are in Mexico, end wend they expect you to comeback, I recommend to by a car insurance to cover you veh in mexico, good luck

 

[cruiser_guy]

Get it! In Mexico you are GUILTY till proven innocent and you will NOT be able to prove your innocence on this one. The signs are in both English and Spanish and are probably the clearest signs you'll see on the entire trip!!

p.s. Take your time between Tepic and Puerto Vallarta as the road is really curvy with LOTS of truck and bus traffic and little opportunity to pass.