Speed bumpMexico

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.


5. Speed bump

A speed bump is a raised traffic-calming device placed across all or part of a road to make drivers reduce their speed. It is commonly used near homes, schools, crossings, parking areas and other places where low vehicle speeds are important.

Speed bumps vary in shape, height and legal status. Drivers should approach them at a low, controlled speed and follow any warning signs or speed limits that apply.

Speed bump
Speed-bump warning sign. (Miramar, Baja California Sur, Mexico)
Wikimedia.org • Erica Fischer • CC BY
How should I recognise and approach a speed bump in Mexico?

Look for a raised surface, approach warnings, road markings and any separate speed instruction. A traffic-calming device can be part of a raised crossing or junction, so identify the layout and the road users who may use it.

🔗 sidof.segob.gob.mx • Mexico federal Traffic Regulations — Federal Article 14, 5 km/h at topes

🔗 sidof.segob.gob.mx • Federal Traffic Regulations — amendment of 25 May 2026, operative and commencement provisions

🔗 sidof.segob.gob.mx • Federal Traffic Regulations — amendment of 13 August 2026, operative and commencement provisions

🔗 diputados.gob.mx • Manual de Señalización y Dispositivos para el Control del Tránsito en Calles y Carreteras, 2024 — relevant signs and markings

Which speed should I use at a raised device in Mexico?

For a tope on a federal road, Article 14 requires a maximum of 5 km/h when crossing it. Do not extend that provision automatically to every raised crossing or traffic-calming design on every Mexican street. Apply the actual device, federal/state/municipal jurisdiction and signs, and slow further when people or conditions require it.

🔗 sidof.segob.gob.mx • Mexico federal Traffic Regulations — Federal Article 14, 5 km/h at topes

🔗 sidof.segob.gob.mx • Federal Traffic Regulations — amendment of 25 May 2026, operative and commencement provisions

🔗 sidof.segob.gob.mx • Federal Traffic Regulations — amendment of 13 August 2026, operative and commencement provisions

🔗 diputados.gob.mx • Manual de Señalización y Dispositivos para el Control del Tránsito en Calles y Carreteras, 2024 — relevant signs and markings

Does a raised road surface give pedestrians priority in Mexico?

A raised device alone does not identify pedestrian priority. If it incorporates a crossing, apply the crossing’s controls and the national rules. National mobility law places pedestrians first in the road-user hierarchy. Apply the state or municipal crossing rules and signals at the location; the hierarchy does not make a pedestrian warning sign a traffic-light instruction.

🔗 sidof.segob.gob.mx • Mexico federal Traffic Regulations — Federal Article 14, 5 km/h at topes

🔗 sidof.segob.gob.mx • Federal Traffic Regulations — amendment of 25 May 2026, operative and commencement provisions

🔗 sidof.segob.gob.mx • Federal Traffic Regulations — amendment of 13 August 2026, operative and commencement provisions

🔗 diputados.gob.mx • Manual de Señalización y Dispositivos para el Control del Tránsito en Calles y Carreteras, 2024 — relevant signs and markings

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 ...