Traffic lightsMexico

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.


13. Traffic lights

Traffic lights use coloured lights, arrows or symbols to regulate when road users may proceed, must prepare to stop or must remain stopped. Separate signals may apply to particular directions, lanes, pedestrians, cyclists or public-transport vehicles.

A green light permits movement only when the route is clear and the movement is otherwise legal. Road users must still follow priority rules, turning restrictions, lane markings and instructions from authorised traffic controllers.

Traffic lights
Traffic light in Mexico City. (Mexico)
Wikimedia.org • Adrián Cerón • CC BY-SA
What must a driver do at red, amber and green signals in Mexico?

Red means stop at the applicable line. Amber generally warns that the signal is changing and calls for a stop where it can be made safely; do not accelerate to beat it. Green allows movement only when the way is clear. Observe local arrow, flashing-signal and stop-line rules.

🔗 sidof.segob.gob.mx • Mexico federal Traffic Regulations — Federal Articles 17, 127

🔗 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

May you turn at a red traffic light in Mexico?

Do not assume that a red light permits any turn. A special illuminated arrow, supplementary sign or a particular provision of local law may authorise a movement, but only under its conditions. The fact that another country permits turning on red does not make it legal here.

🔗 sidof.segob.gob.mx • Mexico federal Traffic Regulations — Federal Articles 17, 127

🔗 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

Can a green light remove the need to give way to pedestrians in Mexico?

No. A green signal is not a guarantee that the junction is empty. Check for people already crossing, vehicles completing a movement and any separate pedestrian, bicycle or turning signals. Do not enter if you cannot clear the junction safely.

🔗 sidof.segob.gob.mx • Mexico federal Traffic Regulations — Federal Articles 17, 127

🔗 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

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 ...