Driving in Baja Mexico became accessible to all drivers with the completion of Mexico Federal Highway 1, also called, Trans-Peninsula Highway. While the old highway was more of a dirt path with steep cliffs and boulder filled arroyos, Mexico Highway 1 is a two lane asphalt road that bounces from coast to coast and town to town. For those of us who love to explore the Baja Peninsula, driving the Trans-Peninsula Highway no longer requires nerves of steel.
There are two major roads when driving in Baja Mexico: Highway 1 (crossing from Tijuana all the way south to Cabo) and Highway 5 (crossing from Mexicali). Both highways have potholes and narrow, so be sure to take it slow. The best practices for driving in Baja Mexico are to drive during the day, obey the speed limit, follow the road signs, pay close attention on corners, and don’t use your phone. Following those best practices while road tripping Baja Mexico you will be safe.
Read on to learn about the road conditions, who can drive in Baja, where to get gas, and so much more about driving in Baja.
Driving down a dirt road on a clear morning in Baja Mexico. Photograph by Dalton Johnson
HOW ARE THE ROAD CONDITIONS WHEN DRIVING in baja Mexico?
The road conditions in Baja Mexico are vary greatly. When you are on the highway, the overall condition is safe, fully asphalted, occasional pot holes, and has some modern safety features. However, as time progresses, the lack of regular maintenance is causing the roads to degrade. I have noticed an increase in maintenance over the last few years, but several roads are heavily pot holed. Once off of the highway, let go of any expectations of a road. Some of the roads will be amazing, better than the highway, and some of them will be a washboard dirt road.
Can American’s Drive in baja mexico?
Driving in Baja is legal for any international driver with a license. The rules of the road in Baja are similar to that of the United States, but image a wild west version. Local drivers are recommended to get a license, but it is not the same process as it is in America.
Note for American drivers: the speed limits and distances while driving are in kilometers, not miles.
DO I NEED TO KNOW SPANISH TO drive in BAJA?
After a full day of driving in Baja Mexico, it is nice to make a campfire on the beach. Photograph by Dalton Johnson
To drive in Baja, you do not need to speak Spanish, however, if you know the language, the experience will be better! Below is a list of common words you should know while driving in Baja Mexico:
ALTO - STOP
TOPE - SPEED BUMP
PELIGROSO - DANGEROUS
CUIDADO - CAUTION
DESPACIO - SLOW
DERECHA - RIGHT
IZQUIERDO - LEFT
DERECHO - STRAIGHT
ENTRADA - ENTRANCE
SALIDA - EXIT
DESVIACION - DETOUR
CURVA PELIGROSA - DANGEROUS CURVE
CRUSE DE PEATONES - PEDESTRIAN CROSSING
ZONA ESCOLAR - SCHOOL ZONE
ZONA DE GUANDO - LIVESTOCK ZONE
NO UTILIZAR FRENO CON MOTOR - NO ENGINE BREAKING
NO MANEJE - DO NOT DRIVE WHEN TIRED
NO MALTRATE LAS SENALES - DO NOT DISREGARD THE SIGNS
NO TIRAR BASURA - DO NOT THROW TRASH
NO HAY PASO - ROAD CLOSED
NO REBASE - NO PASSING
PROHIBIDO EL PASO - DO NOT PASS
GUARDE SU DISTANCIA - WATCH YOUR DISTANCE
DISMINUYA SU VELOCIDAD - SLOW DOWN
REDUCTOR DE VELOCIDAD - REDUCE YOUR SPEED
RESPETE LIMITE DE VELOCIDAD - RESPECT THE SPEED LIMIT
IS DRIVING IN BAJA MEXICO SAFE?
Driving in Baja Mexico is less safe than driving in the United States, but it is not unsafe to drive in Baja. Your safety while driving in Baja Mexico is mostly dependent on your approach to driving. When you drive the speed limit, during the day, follow the road signs, pay close attention on corners, and stay focused on the road, you will be safe. However, if you are distracted by the views, or your phone, at any point while driving in Baja, just know that you are decreasing your own safety.
Not all cops are corrupt in Baja, regardless getting pulled over in Baja Mexico isn't fun, but it does happen from time to time. Photograph by Dalton Johnson
ARE THE POLICE CORRUPT IN BAJA?
Should you be stopped for a traffic violation, you will be asked for your driver’s license, registration and told what you did wrong. My advice is to try to talk your way out of it. If that doesn’t work, you will need to go to the police station where you will pay a fine and get your license back. For minor traffic infractions, there is the Mexican ‘mordita.’ Simply put, it is a bribe and technically, you shouldn’t do it. However, you will not be arrested for trying it, like in the States. Discreetly show the officer 100 or 200 pesos and see what they do. They will either take it, or not. I’ve been stopped twice in Baja. My Mexican friend was able to talk the officers out of the tickets, one included a mordita and one did not.
What are the Military Checkpoint for when driving in Baja?
There are 4 or 5 military checkpoints along the Baja Peninsula. Don’t let the sight of uniforms and machine guns alarm you. These are young military men whose job it is to deter crime. They will ask you where you are from and where you are going. Have your answer prepared: "Hello, I am from California and I’m a tourist driving to La Paz." They will ask you to step out of the vehicle so they can perform a routine inspection. Take your wallet and/or purse with you, secure or remove any pets, and casually watch your belongings as they inspect. Be courteous and cooperative and you will be on your way in no time.
Where to get gas while driving in Baja Mexico?
Mexico has several gas stations but the most prominent, and typically the cheapest, is PeMex. This gas station is run by the government and is focused on keeping gas prices low for Mexican residents. If you decide to stop at Chevron, or an American company, expect to pay more for your fuel.
If you are going to drive through Cataviña, make sure to have extra gas with you. This stretch of road goes 200 miles without a gas station!
Cataviña is a 200 mile stretch without gas stations along the Baja Peninsula, occasionally you will see trucks like this, selling gas to those in need. Photograph by Dalton Johnson
How Much extra gas should I carry with me while driving in Baja?
When driving in Baja Mexico, try to carry 50 to 100 miles worth of gas. The extra fuel will give you peace of mind while traveling and allow you to explore any side roads that look of interest to you.
Is Insurance required to drive in Baja Mexico?
When driving in Mexico, it is a law that you have Mexican Insurance. There are several companies out there, but the most prominent is Baja Bound. Baja Bound is based in San Diego and offer several different plans for American drivers who wish to venture into Baja Mexico with their own vehicle.
If you drive into Baja, and only Baja, you do not need an temporary import permit, or TIP. However, if you plan to visit the mainland of Mexico, you will need a TIP.
Why do people avoid driving in Baja at night?
In preparation for my first Baja trip, I read everything I could about driving in Mexico. Every article said, ‘don’t drive after dark’ but no one ever said why. I thought if I drove at night, I might be kidnapped, given all the negative press I’d read. I carefully planned my stops so that I would not be driving at nighttime. But, my last two nights on the road, I had to drive after dark. That is when I learned the real reason for the caution. It’s not kidnappers, it is cows! Highway 1 runs through rural areas where livestock freely roam. The heat of the day makes grazing more comfortable at night. If you come over a hill to encounter a small group of cows, you will be in trouble, not to mention the cows. It is a terrible sight to see a dead horse on the side of the road, hit by a traveler the night before. There are no street lights, so it is impossible to see your surroundings, therefore, avoid driving after dark, but let go of the fear of the big, bad kidnapper in the bushes!
Is Highway 1 in Baja a narrow road to drive?
A major challenge of Baja’s Highway 1 is that it is very narrow. It is the north – south road for the entire 1000 miles, traveled by 18 wheelers delivering goods from the north, as well as Aquila buses, the Mexican equivalent of Greyhound. It is frightful when an enormous vehicle comes straight at you on a narrow road, or goes around a curve at the bottom of a mountain at the same time you do. I recommend adjusting your speed to avoid driving around curves or cliffs at the same time as an oncoming large vehicle. In addition, it is not uncommon to encounter cyclists sharing the road with you, weighted down with gear that all but topples them over. Encounters like these are amplified at night time.
A stickered road sign covering up the name to a popular surfing destination in Baja, Mexico. Photograph by Dalton Johnson
Now that you have learned about the road conditions, who can drive in Baja, where to get gas, and so much more about driving in Baja the time has come for you to plan your road trip down the Baja Peninsula. If this blog has helped you, I would love to hear what was useful in the comments below. Additionally, if you have any additional information that would be helpful, drop it in the comment section for others! Have a great trip and be safe.
