If you live and drive in the city you need to know these CDMX traffic rules, because knowing more about the traffic regulations could save you from one or another fine, as well as driving responsibly.
The first and most important thing you should know is that not every traffic officer can give you a ticket, since only 551 traffic police officers are authorized to give you a ticket in case you have committed an infraction.
How can you know if the police officer you are talking to can give you a ticket? You can read the legend “authorized for infraction” on their uniform, and you can also scan the QR code they carry on their right arm at shoulder level.
About the fines
It is important to know that if you commit an infraction, the fine must be strictly in electronic format, and you do not have to pay it at that moment.
In addition, every traffic officer has the obligation to tell you exactly what part of the regulation you are violating and consequently tell you in which part of the regulation your sanction is indicated.
Again, everything must be accredited through an electronic terminal and your fine must be paid directly to the CDMX Treasury, which will give you a 50% discount if you pay your fine within the first 15 days.
Which fines could be very expensive? These are the infractions that we recommend you avoid at all costs:
- Using your phone while driving carries a fine of between 30 to 35 UMAS.
- Not having the environmental verification in force carries a fine of between 20 and 30 UMAS.
- Not having a car insurance policy entails a fine of between 20 to 40 UMAS.
- If your registration card does not match the license plates of your car, you will be fined between 20 and 30 UMAS.
It is essential that you know that all CDMX licenses operate under a point system. All licenses start with 10 points and each fine will reduce points on your driver’s license.
Can they take your car to the corralón?
Yes, they can take your car to the “corralón”, but only for committing any of the following infractions that break the traffic rules in the CDMX:
- For entering public transportation lanes.
- For trespassing in the bicycle lane
- Parking in unpermitted places (such as yellow sidewalks)
- Not having a valid driver’s license
- Driving while intoxicated
- Driving under the influence of illegal substances
- If you get a ticket and they find out that you have a previous unpaid infraction within the last 30 days.
It is important to note that, except for the cases mentioned above, your car cannot and should not be taken to any corralón in the CDMX.
Other CDMX traffic rules
Did you get a traffic ticket in the CDMX and you have license plates from another state? You should know that the traffic officer will be able to take away your front license plate, your registration card or your driver’s license. However, if you have CDMX plates, they cannot take your license plate from your car.
And it is worth mentioning that you have the constitutional right to record with your cell phone from the moment a traffic officer stops you. Article 6 of the Constitution protects you to collect and disseminate any kind of information by any means.
Now you know and know a little more about the traffic regulations to drive responsibly in our city. We recommend you to save this note in your favorites to have it at hand when you need it, and share it with other drivers in the CDMX.