Rush hourMexico

An introduction to the traffic rules and road signs of Mexico. Learn about driving, road safety and much more in our illustrated book, with answers to frequently asked questions.

For informational purposes only. Always follow official regulations. Some content and images were created with AI assistance.


24. Rush hour

Rush hour is a period when roads and public transport networks experience particularly high demand, commonly because large numbers of people are travelling to or from work, school or other regular destinations. It usually occurs during the morning and late afternoon or evening on working days.

Rush-hour traffic can result in congestion, slower speeds, longer journeys and frequent stopping. Drivers should maintain a safe following distance, remain patient, anticipate changing traffic conditions and follow any temporary or dynamic traffic-management measures.

Rush hour
Passengers during the evening rush hour on Melbourne's train network. (Melbourne, Australia)
Wikimedia.org • MDRX • CC BY-SA
What is rush hour?

Rush hour is a period when unusually large numbers of people travel at the same time, resulting in increased traffic and often congestion.

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, Articles 13–14 and 18(5); international framework subject to national law

🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Rules 126 and 133–134; national guidance example

🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Rules 174 and 192; national guidance example

Should you increase your following distance in rush-hour traffic?

Yes. Leave sufficient distance to react to sudden braking and frequent changes in traffic speed. Avoid following another vehicle too closely even when traffic is moving slowly.

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, Articles 13–14 and 18(5); international framework subject to national law

🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Rules 126 and 133–134; national guidance example

🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Rules 174 and 192; national guidance example

Can speed limits change during rush hour?

Yes. Roads equipped with variable traffic management may display lower speed limits during congestion. Drivers must follow the speed limit currently indicated.

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, Articles 13–14 and 18(5); international framework subject to national law

🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Rules 126 and 133–134; national guidance example

🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Rules 174 and 192; national guidance example

1 Mexico 2 Zone 3 Speed limit 4 Pedestrian warning 5 Speed bump 6 Stop sign 7 Give way 8 Railway crossing 9 School area 10 Rockfall 11 Curve 12 Chevron 13 Traffic lights 14 Driving licence 15 Reversing 16 Licence plate 17 Bus 18 Police 19 Ambulance 20 Pothole 21 Path 22 Particulates 23 Air pollution 24 Rush hour 25 Road code 26 Street gutter 27 Cargo bike 28 Forestry vehicle 29 Construction vehicle 30 Semi-trailer truck 31 Trolleybus 32 Speed pedelec 33 Delivery vehicle 34 Idling 35 Tow truck 36 Four-wheel drive 37 Road users 38 Bicycle 39 Motorcycle equipment 40 Rail track 41 Caravan 42 Trailer 43 Tow hitch 44 Fire truck 45 Siren 46 Convoy 47 Emergency vehicle lighting 48 Agricultural machinery 49 Electric bicycle 50 Electric vehicle 51 Pedelec 52 Quadricycle 53 Microcar 54 All-terrain vehicle 55 Van 56 Recreational vehicle 57 Scooter 58 Trikke 59 Personal mobility device 60 Skateboard 61 Segway 62 Kick scooter 63 Roller skates 64 Mailman 65 Hitchhiker 66 Toddler 67 Child 68 Disability 69 Motorail 70 km/h 71 mph 72 Speedometer 73 Ride height 74 Dirt road 75 Driving 76 Start-stop system 77 Manual transmission 78 Automatic transmission 79 Throttle 80 Tachometer 81 Steering wheel 82 Power steering 83 Visual scanning 84 Mirror 85 Fuel 86 Fuel gauge 87 Petrol 88 Diesel 89 Diesel exhaust fluid 90 Car insurance 91 First aid kit 92 Fire extinguisher 93 High-visibility clothing 94 First aid 95 Concrete step barrier 96 Barriers 97 Vehicle lights 98 Street lights 99 Dipped beam 100 High beam ...