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Top laws tourists may not be aware of in Cancun Mexico

Last Updated on August 28, 2023 by Megan

Mexico is a great place to relax and let yourself get loose. It is important to understand a few laws and regulations before you start your partying. A few laws a tourist may not be aware of when vacationing in Mexico;

  1. Foreigners must have a valid tourist card or a resident visa to be in Mexico; it is illegal to overstay your visa.
  2. Vehicle insurance is mandatory in Mexico if you are renting a car you need insurance with liability coverage.  Consider purchasing a policy which includes legal representation and the cost of bail bond from a service provider who is available 24 hours a day.
  3. Many tourists come to Mexico to indulge and take in the nightlife, but did you know it is illegal to be drunk and disorderly in public, even in Mexico. It seems logical but drunk driving is a serious crime in Mexico; foreigners do not get any special privileges regarding drinking and driving, and if you cause an accident you will end up in jail.
  4. The minimum legal drinking age in Cancun, Mexico is 18 years old. Mexico requires that you show a photo identification as proof of age when purchasing alcohol.
  5. It is not against the law to travel with alcohol in a vehicle in Mexico, driving while drunk is a criminal offense. Mexico's legal blood alcohol content is 0.8.
  6. The new alcohol law took effect in Cancun, Riviera Maya in February 2019; Under the new law packaged alcohol cannot be sold past 11:00 p.m. Bars that wish to sell alcohol after that time can apply for a special permit that will allow alcohol sales until 3:00 a.m.
  7. Under Mexican law, possession and trafficking of any illegal drug is a federal offense; you may be fined or imprisoned. To avoid any issues with a controlled medication, carry a copy of your prescription or doctor’s note with you.
  8. Considering some countries allow their citizens to carry guns, we should advise you guns and weapons are illegal in Mexico.  It is also advisable you leave your pocket knife at home.
  9. Going fishing? Any boat carrying fishing gear in Mexican waters must hold a valid fishing license for each person on board, regardless of age and whether they are fishing or not. A fishing license is not required when fishing from land.
  10. Foreigners should not get involved in political activity including, demonstrations or protests. Foreigners who engage in this type of activity may be asked to leave the country.

If you are arrested or detained in Mexico, ask the police officials to notify your Embassy or Consulate immediately, they will notify your family or friends and put you in touch with a local Mexican lawyer.

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