Background and Relevance of Alma Reynoso Zambrano
Alma Reynoso Zambrano, the president of the Vehicle Rental Association in Quintana Roo, has reported a dramatic reduction in car thefts from rental companies within just one year. Previously, there were an average of 360 thefts annually, equating to almost one incident per day. However, this number has plummeted to only six or seven cases in 2025.
Legislative Changes and Their Impact
The modification to Quintana Roo’s Penal Code, which criminalizes the act of renting a vehicle without returning it to the rental companies, has significantly contributed to this decline. This change was approved in January 2025 and established the penal equivalent of vehicle rental theft.
The reform, initiated by Governor Mara Lezama, aimed to penalize individuals who rent vehicles with the intention of not returning them and using them improperly, essentially committing criminal acts. This law is unique nationally, specifically addressing the issue raised by the Mexican Association of Vehicle Rental Companies (AMAVe) over several years.
Governor Lezama emphasized that this legislative action would provide legal security to the tourism sector and vehicle rental businesses in Quintana Roo, ultimately benefiting the local population.
Extent of the Problem and its Consequences
According to industry reports, car thefts from rental companies in Quintana Roo had resulted in losses exceeding 360 million pesos. The newly approved law not only targets the aforementioned theft but also penalizes dismantling or selling vehicle parts, altering or modifying ownership documentation, moving the vehicle without authorization to another state or country, and using the vehicle to commit other felonies.
Quintana Roo’s Leading Position in Vehicle Rental Market
Quintana Roo leads the nation in the vehicle rental market, with the highest number of transactions and establishments dedicated to this segment. Consequently, this crime has been highly prevalent in the region.
Key Questions and Answers
- What was the issue before the legislative change? There were approximately 360 car thefts from rental companies annually in Quintana Roo, equating to almost one incident per day.
- What legislative change was implemented? Quintana Roo’s Penal Code was modified to criminalize the act of renting a vehicle without returning it to the rental companies.
- Who proposed this change? The modification was proposed by Governor Mara Lezama following requests from the Mexican Association of Vehicle Rental Companies (AMAVe).
- What are the consequences of not adhering to the new law? The new law penalizes various related activities, including dismantling or selling vehicle parts, altering ownership documentation, unauthorized transport of vehicles, and using rented vehicles to commit other crimes.
- Why was this legislative change necessary? Quintana Roo’s leading position in the vehicle rental market made this issue highly prevalent, causing significant financial losses for rental companies.
