Who is Affected?
Residents of Mexico State who are motorcyclists and believe they can ride recklessly, including transporting minors under 12 years old as passengers, should be aware of new regulations. The Mexico State government has recently updated its Traffic Regulations, which will take effect on November 25, 2025. These new provisions replace fixed fines with minimum, medium, and maximum ranges based on the driver’s history of unpaid traffic violations.
Why are these changes being implemented?
Under the leadership of Governor Delfina Gómez Álvarez, the primary goal is to enhance road safety, protect the integrity of children, pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists, and drivers, and promote a culture of respect and responsibility on public roads to save lives.
Key Changes for Motorcyclists
- Starting November 25, 2025, only adults with a valid physical or digital license can operate motorcycles.
- Transporting minors who cannot securely hold on or sit properly is now prohibited.
- All riders must wear certified helmets that are no more than five years old.
Additional restrictions include:
- Rebasing is only allowed on the far-left lane, and carrying loads that affect stability or visibility is now prohibited.
Penalties for Carrying Minors on Motorcycles
According to Article 89 of the Mexico State Traffic Regulations, if minors under 12 cannot securely hold on or sit correctly, motorcyclists will face fines ranging from 16 to 20 Unidades de Medida y Actualización (UMA).
These fines equate to between 1,814.4 pesos (16 UMA) and 2,268 pesos (20 UMA). Note that 1 UMA in the Mexico State equals 113.40 pesos.
How the New Infractions Work
- Minimum: for those without prior infractions.
- Medium: for those with 2 to 3 unpaid infractions.
- Maximum: for those with 4 or more unpaid infractions.
These will be gradually removed as they are paid, encouraging voluntary regularization.
- Example: Not obeying restrictive signage: fines range from 1,810.24 pesos (16 UMA) to 2,262.80 pesos (20 UMA).
- Using a cell phone while driving: fines range from 1,810.24 pesos (16 UMA) to 2,262.80 pesos (20 UMA).
- Not wearing a seatbelt: fines range from 339.42 pesos (3 UMA) to 565.70 pesos (5 UMA).
Attention! This is the Dreaded Article 89 of the New Mexico State Traffic Regulations
Article 89 outlines the rules for motorcycle operators using any road in Mexico State:
- Only the number of people authorized on the vehicle’s circulation card can travel, in addition to the driver.
- When another person travels along with cargo, the motorcycle must stay in the far-left lane and proceed cautiously when overtaking stationary vehicles.
- Motorcycles must not travel on sidewalks or areas reserved for pedestrians.
- Motorcycles must respect lanes designated for automobiles and cannot travel in parallel formation within the same lane.
- To overtake another vehicle, motorcycles must use a different lane.
- Both the driver and passenger of motorcycles must wear certified helmets and protective glasses.
- Motorcycles or their passengers must not attach themselves to other vehicles on public roads.
- Drivers must signal turns in advance.
- Motorcycles cannot carry loads that obstruct visibility, balance, proper operation, or pose a risk to the driver or other road users.
- Drivers must take the correct lane when turning left or right.
- Prohibition: Do not transport minors under 12 years old.
- Additional Prohibition: Do not transport minors older than 12 if they cannot securely hold on to the motorcycle or place their feet properly on the footrests, except if equipped with special safety devices.
- Strictly adhere to the regulations set by this reglamento.
