Is It Safe To Drive In Cancun Right Now? Tips From A Local

Is it safe to drive in Cancun? The short answer is, yes, it is safe to drive in Cancun, sometimes even safer than getting on a taxi or a bus. But in this post, I will tell you all the tips and tricks to make your trip even safer and more enjoyable. 

If you’ve been following my page for a while, you know that I love getting off the beaten path and exploring different areas around Cancun.

I have lived in Cancun since 2010 and I didn’t miss the opportunity to jump in the car and go out to explore, and I encourage you all to do the same!

The easiest way to get out and explore is by renting a car. So, you might be wondering, is it safe to drive in Cancun? Keep reading to find out if renting a car is the right choice for you and learn some Cancun car rental tips from a local. 

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Is It Safe To Drive In Cancun Now?

Yes, it is safe to drive in Cancun, and all across the Yucatan Peninsula. Every year loads of tourists rent cars and explore the area.

The Mexican government works hard to keep all tourist areas safe and well-maintained and if you rent a car you will find that in general the roads are in good condition, there are plenty of signs to help you navigate (although these days most people just use their phone’s navigation system), and the other drivers on the road follow the traffic laws.

There can be a bit of traffic inside the city of Cancun, but if you are planning to head out of town to visit ruins or cenotes, you will find the traffic disappears a bit out of town and the driving is relatively relaxed and easy. 

Things To Look Out For When Driving In Cancun

Driving in Cancun is safe, but there are a few things you should be aware of when you rent a car in Cancun. Educating yourself will help guarantee you have a good time while driving and exploring Cancun.

Here are a few things to keep an eye on while behind the wheel in Cancun:

👉🏽 Police Officers Looking For A Bribe

Police officers in Mexico are notorious for pulling over drivers and trying to bribe them out of money.

If you ask any local Mexican, they will tell you that police officers do not only go after tourists but are known to pull over locals and try to get money too.

The Mexican government is always working on cracking down on this practice, but, unfortunately, it still happens sometimes.

There are two important things you should know about how to deal with Mexican police officers who try to get you to pay them a bribe. 

First, make sure you are following all traffic laws. Do not make yourself an easy target for a corrupt police officer by doing things like speeding, having an unbuckled seat belt (yes, the Mexican law requires people to buckle up), or drinking and driving.

Also, as of 2022, there is a law in Cancun that drivers cannot be using their cell phones, so make sure you let your passenger do the navigating.

Breaking these laws makes you an easy target for a corrupt police officer, so make sure to slow down and follow all local laws. 

Second, do not give a police officer money. Occasionally you can be following all the local laws and you will still get pulled over by a police officer.

When police officers are trying to get a bribe they will make up some sort of traffic infraction that you committed. They will then ask you to pay them the fine directly in cash. Refuse to pay them in cash and ask for a written ticket.

Tell them that you do not have any cash on you and that you will take your written ticket to the police station to pay for it.

Once a corrupt police officer realizes that you will not pay them cash, they will usually tell you that they are letting you off with a warning and send you on your way. 

👉🏽 Topes (Speed Bumps)

You will find topes, or speed bumps, all over Mexico. They are everywhere from big cities to small villages and are a way to control speeding.

Topes can range in size, but all of them can be damaging to your car if you hit them at a high speed.

Speed bumps in Mexico are usually painted bright yellow and there is often a sign next to them, as well as one a few meters beforehand to let you know to slow down.

Do yourself and your rental car a favor and pay close attention to topes.

Tip: If you are driving on two-lane highways in Mexico you will often come to small pueblos. There are usually topes there to make sure you slow down while driving through the pueblo. 

👉🏽 Follow General Traffic Rules (Seat Belt/Speed)

Following general traffic rules will help keep corrupt police officers from noticing you, but will also keep you safer.

For some reason, it seems that there are always tourists who rent cars and do things that they would never do in their home country. They stand up in convertibles, drink and drive, and never wear their seat belts.

Unfortunately, accidents can still happen when you are on vacation. Take the appropriate steps to avoid an accident by taking your time, driving the speed limit, buckling up, and most importantly, never drinking and driving. 

Is It Safe To Drive In Cancun At Night? 

Yes, you can drive in Cancun at night. Most Mexicans will tell you that it is not a good idea to drive on the highways between towns at night; however, you can drive in the city at night.

Remember, if you are planning on going out and having drinks either choose a designated driver or plan to use a driver or taxi for the evening. 

Is It Safe To Drive From Cancun To Riviera Maya?

Yes! Renting a car is a great way to explore the area around Cancun and the Riviera Maya.

There is one main highway, 307, that runs from Cancun to the border with Belize. This highway is well-maintained, well-marked,  and very safe to drive along. It will take you from Cancun to different towns, ruins, and cenotes. 

What To Do When Something Goes Wrong?

If you rent a car and something goes wrong- like you get into an accident or have mechanical problems, do not panic.

Make sure you keep the number of your rental agency with you, and call them and they will guide you through the appropriate next steps.

Remember too, it is always important to have insurance for your rental car, so small accidents or issues do not end up costing you a fortune. 

Where Can I Rent A Car in Cancun?

There are countless car rental agencies in Cancun. Save yourself the hassle of searching through all of them and use Discover Cars to help you find the perfect rental.

Discover Cars is an online car rental platform that gathers information from hundreds of car rental agencies so you can easily compare car rentals and pick the one you want.

It is easy to use and shows you the out-the-door price, so you do not have to worry about unexpected fees when you pick up your car. Plus, it makes it easy to compare different car rentals and even has recent guest reviews. 

Tips For Driving In Cancun

📌 The biggest tip for having a good time with your rental car is to pay attention and drive defensively.

📌 Most drivers in Cancun follow the traffic laws but be aware of drivers who are speeding or cutting in and out of traffic.

📌 Take your time and pay attention to all the traffic signs.

📌 Let your passenger navigate so you can focus on the road, and remember it is against the law to be on your phone while driving in Cancun. 

📌 If you are traveling long distances and have the option of taking a toll road- do it. Toll roads, marked as “cuoat” roads are better maintained and will get you to your destination faster than the free highway or “libre.” 

📌 Lastly, when you get to your destination make sure to lock up your car. Petty theft is a problem and unfortunately, tourists sometimes have a “vacation brain” and leave their rental car unlocked only to return to it and find someone stole their belongings. If possible try to park your car in secure, gated parking lots overnight. 

Frequently Asked Questions: Is It Safe to Drive in Cancun?

Wrapping Up: Is It Safe To Drive In Cancun

Yes, every year countless visitors to Cancun safely rent cars and drive themselves around the area. When you rent a car make sure to take your time driving, follow all local laws, and of course, have insurance in the unlikely scenario you get into an accident.

Renting a car can be stressful, but the traffic in Cancun is mild, and the roads are well maintained and well marked- so take advantage and rent a car and explore at your own pace!