Yes, road signs in Mexico can be different from those in other countries. Most are in Spanish, and some symbols and designs may differ from what you are used to. This guide covers the signs you will see most often, what they mean in English, and a few driving habits worth knowing before you go.
Quick rules before you drive
- Language: most road signs are in Spanish, so basic driving vocabulary helps.
- Speed: limits are posted in kilometers per hour (km/h), not miles per hour.
- Sign colors: regulatory signs are usually red and white, warning signs are typically yellow and black, and informational signs are blue or green.
- Local customs: be aware of local driving customs, such as flashing lights to indicate a desire to pass.
The most common Mexican road signs
| Sign | Meaning | What it looks like |
|---|---|---|
| Alto | Stop | A red octagonal sign with the word “ALTO” instead of “STOP”. |
| Ceda el paso | Yield | A triangular sign with the words “CEDA EL PASO”. |
| Tope | Speed bump ahead | Usually the word “TOPE” or a symbol of a bump. |
| No estacionarse | No parking | Often a red circle with a diagonal line through an “E”. |
| Velocidad máxima | Maximum speed | The limit, shown in km/h. |
| Curva peligrosa | Dangerous curve | Warns of a sharp curve ahead. |
| Peaje | Toll booth ahead | Indicates a toll booth. |
| No rebase | No passing | Often a red circle with two cars side by side. |
| Cruce de peatones | Pedestrian crossing | Indicates a crosswalk. |
| Carril izquierdo sólo para rebasar | Left lane for passing only | The left lane is only for passing. |
More signs and their English translations
These are wording signs you will meet on highways. They come from our longer first-hand article, Highway Signs in Mexico: Can You Read the Signs?.
Warnings and road conditions
| Spanish | English |
|---|---|
| Semáforo en operación | Traffic lights ahead |
| Grava suelta | Loose gravel |
| Tramo en reparación | Road repairs ahead |
| Máquinas trabajando | Heavy equipment ahead |
| Un solo carril | Single lane ahead |
| Desviación | Detour |
| Camino cerrado por obras | Road closed ahead |
| Zona de vados | Washes in area |
| Precaución: zona de ganado | Caution: open range |
| Precaución: zona de derrumbes | Caution: landslides possible |
| Precaución extrema: orilla peligrosa | Extreme caution: dangerous shoulder |
| Termina puente en construcción | End of bridge construction |
| Puente | Bridge |
| Topes | Speed bumps |
| Puesto de control militar | Military checkpoint |
Rules and instructions
| Spanish | English |
|---|---|
| No rebase con raya continua | No passing on solid line |
| Transito lento carril derecho | Slower traffic use right lane |
| No circule por acotamiento | Don’t drive on shoulder |
| Use acotamiento para emergencia | Shoulder is only for emergencies |
| Termina acotamiento | Shoulder ends |
| Principia tramo de cuota | Begin toll road |
| No se estacione | No parking |
| Guarde su distancia | Don’t tailgate |
| Frene con motor | Use your engine to brake |
| Concede cambio de luz | Dim your lights for oncoming traffic |
| Con neblina encienda sus luces | Turn on headlights when foggy |
| Con niebla o lluvia enciende sus luces | Turn on lights when foggy or rainy |
| Respete los límites de velocidad | Respect posted speed limits |
| No exceda los límites de velocidad | Don’t exceed the speed limits |
| Disminuya su velocidad | Slow down |
| Modere la velocidad, su familia le espera | Slow down, your family is waiting for you |
| Utilice el cinturón de seguridad | Use seat belts |
| Cinturón de seguridad obligatorio | Mandatory use of seat belt |
| Si toma no maneja | If you drink, don’t drive |
| Obedezca las señales | Obey traffic signs |
| No tire basura | Don’t litter |
| Periférico | Bypass highway (around a city) |
Frequently asked questions
Are Mexican road signs in kilometers or miles?
Kilometers. Speed limits are posted in kilometers per hour, not miles per hour.
What does “alto” mean?
Stop. It is a red octagonal sign with the word “ALTO” instead of “STOP”. In Mexico it is often placed on the far side of the cross street rather than before the intersection, so stop before you enter it.
What is a tope?
A speed bump. Topes are often unmarked concrete mounds, and several in a row usually mean you are approaching a village, town or busy pedestrian area. Slow down in those areas.
Familiarizing yourself with these signs and practices can help ensure a safer and smoother driving experience in Mexico. Get a customized quote for your Vehicle HERE
